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diff --git a/old/67404-0.txt b/old/67404-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0e69ea5..0000000 --- a/old/67404-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4165 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Cavalry Curt, by G. Waldo Browne - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Cavalry Curt - Or, The Wizard Scout of the Army - -Author: G. Waldo Browne - -Release Date: February 14, 2022 [eBook #67404] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy - of the Digital Library@Villanova University.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAVALRY CURT *** - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -A GREAT WAR STORY OF SHERMAN’S MARCH TO THE SEA. - -The Gem Library. - -Copyright 1892, by CHAS. D. SIBLEY & SON. Entered as second-class mail -matter at the New York post-office. - -Vol. I--No. 11. New York, January 9, 1892. Price 5 Cents. - - - - -CAVALRY CURT; - - - OR, - The Wizard Scout of the Army. - - By G. WALDO BROWNE, - - _Author of “The Swordsman of Toledo,” “Border Knights,” Etc., Etc._ - - [Illustration: “HOLD UP THERE, YOU YANKEE DEVIL! WILL YOU SURRENDER!” - SHOUTED THE REBEL LEADER. “NEVER!” CRIED CAVALRY CURT, DASHING - MADLY ON.] - - * * * * * - -CAVALRY CURT; --OR,-- _THE WIZARD OF THE ARMY_. - -BY G. WALDO BROWNE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. RUNNING THE GANTLET. - - -“Halt! who comes there?” - -Time: Daybreak on the morning of May 6th, 1864. - -Scene: A wild, broken area of country in northern Georgia. - -Actors: In the foreground, a horseman and a drowsy sentinel roused -to a sense of his duty by the sound of the approaching rider; in the -background, a score or more of Confederate cavalry--men springing from -their blankets at the warning of danger. - -A rifle had sprung to the shoulder of the startled sentry, and the -sharp click of a lock followed his ringing challenge. - -The foam-flecked steed of the on-comer was hurled back upon its -haunches by the iron hold laid upon its bit. - -“Who comes there?” repeated the ominous tone of the man in gray. - -“A friend to the loyal,” answered the horseman. - -“Advance, friend, and give the countersign.” - -“Freedom!” - -As the single word left the stranger’s lips, he plunged the rowels deep -into his horse’s quivering flank, when like an arrow shot from a bow he -bounded forward. - -The movement was so sudden that before the surprised sentry could -discharge his weapon the rider was upon him. - -The report of his rifle followed, but the bullet flew wide of its mark, -and he was hurled to the earth. - -“On, Wildbird, on!” cried the reckless rider, his words drowned by the -sounds of his flying steed’s iron heel. - -The amazed cavalrymen had gained their feet. - -“Stop him, boys!” cried their leader. “’Tis one of Sherman’s scouts!” - -The valley was narrow here. - -Upon the right, looking south, rose abruptly the rugged heights. - -On the left, a spur of the mountain range had a more gradual ascent. - -The escaping horseman was forced to pause within a short distance of -his enemies--so near in fact that his white face shone plainly in the -starlight. - -“Fire!” rang out the cavalry chief’s wild command. - -A volley of bullets whistled around the fugitive’s head. - -He was seen to reel in his saddle, but his flight was unchecked. - -“S’ death! there he goes!” exclaimed the Confederate leader. “Quick! -follow me!” - -As one the twenty men sprang forward to intercept the fugitive’s flight. - -Owing to a curve in the valley the horseman could not pursue a straight -course. - -Thus at the moment when his escape seemed certain he found his retreat -cut off. - -He was hemmed in. - -As yet he had not fired a shot. - -His assailants were now so close upon him that his rifle was useless -save as a club. - -If he realized his hopeless situation he did not hesitate in his -headlong course. - -“On, Wildbird, on!” - -Like a Centaur he swept into the midst of his foes. - -Some were hurled right and left. - -The foremost seized the bridle of the plunging horse. - -“Hold up there, you Yankee devil!” - -“Never!” rang out the sharp retort, and the other was felled to the -earth. - -“On, Wildbird, on!” - -The path was blocked. - -In vain the noble brute struggled to free himself. - -Three of the sentinels were clinging to its bridle and the plunging -steed was stopped. - -Others of the assailants were trying to pull the rider from his seat. - -A few shots were fired, but the fight had come to such close quarters -that firearms were of little use. - -The stranger’s rifle had been hurled from his grasp. - -He felt himself borne down, and for a moment his struggles ceased. - -“Will you surrender?” gritted the leader. - -“Never!” - -“On, Wildbird, on!” - -Suddenly, with a herculean effort, the horseman freed his right arm. - -An instant later a knife flashed in his hand. - -Descrying a circle in the air it descended with lightning-like -rapidity, severing at a single stroke the horse’s bridle. - -At the same time the assailants staggered back, leaving the wounded and -maddened steed free. - -With a snort of defiance it bounded forward sending the baffled men -right and left. - -Before they could rally, the dashing scout had cleared them. - -A few shots were fired, but none seemed to take effect. - -As their yells of rage rang on the air, the fugitive disappeared down -the valley. - -“That’s a pretty go!” muttered the leader of the discomfited gang. “I -should rather have lost my right arm than that he should have escaped.” - -“Did you recognize him, captain?” asked a tall, flaxened-hair soldier. - -“He is Cavalry Curt.” - -“Not Phil Kearney’s scout?” - -“The same. I heard at headquarters yesterday that he was in these -regions. His presence means us mischief.” - -“And his escape something worse.” - -“But he must not escape.” - -“Quick, into the saddle. We must follow him.” - -Three of the party were injured so that they could not join in the -pursuit, and were forced to remain behind. - -The others vaulted into the saddle and a few minutes later were -following as rapidly as the country would permit on the trail of the -fugitive. - -He had only a slight start of them and they felt confident of quickly -overtaking and capturing him. - -In the very heart of the enemy’s country his escape indeed seemed -impossible. - - - - -CHAPTER II. THE FUGITIVE SCOUT. - - -“Look, Mara! Do my old eyes deceive me, or is that a horseman?” - -“Where, grandpa?” - -“Crossing the ridge yonder.” - -They presented a striking picture--one bowed beneath the weight of -four-score years, his countenance shrunken and wrinkled, his long, thin -lock glistening in the sunlight with the frosts of time; the other just -budding into womanhood, fair as a poet’s dream, with hair that vied -with the gold of the sun and eyes of a heavenly blue. - -She was leaning gently on the arm of her aged companion as they stood -in the doorway of their southern home, gazing upon the surrounding -landscape, until his eye had caught sight of an object in the distance -which had startled the foregoing dialogue. - -“I see him, grandpa!” she exclaimed, as her gaze followed the direction -he pointed out. - -“He seems to be coming this way, Mara. Who can it be?” - -“I cannot tell, grandpa. Oh, in these terrible times I tremble lest -every comer be a foe.” - -“Nay, child; I think we have nothing to fear. Ah, he heads more to the -south. He is not coming here.” - -The maiden drew a breath of relief, and as the strange rider -disappeared from sight a minute later, she said: - -“He is gone. I am so glad, too. But, grandpa, have you forgotten that -you were to go to Hammond’s for me? You will have to start at once, -while I shall have to look after my work.” - -“Yes, yes, Mara, my child. But hark! Dinah is calling for you now. I -never saw such a troublesome nigger.” - -With the words he went into the house, leaving her still standing in -the doorway. - -She was about to follow her grandparent, when a moving object in the -distance caught her gaze. - -It looked like a man moving at the top of his speed. - -“Who can it be?” she said, speaking aloud. “He is coming this way, too.” - -Not a little surprised and anxious she continued to watch and wait. - -“It must be the horseman grandpa and I saw on the ridge,” she mused. -“And he is certainly coming here. I suppose I ought to rouse the folks, -but little good that will do. Poor old grandpa is our only protection.” - -The approach of the stranger was no longer a matter of doubt. - -In a few minutes he was within plain view. - -The maiden saw that he was young--not more than twenty-one or -twenty-two. He was handsome, too. Quite tall, broad-shouldered and with -a countenance that Apollo might have envied. - -But there was a haggard look upon his face, and he carried his left arm -in a sling. His step, too, seemed uneasy and she saw that he had gone -about as far as nature would permit him. - -“A northern man--an accursed Yankee!” she exclaimed under her breath, -somewhat fiercely. - -No one else had appeared in sight as far as she could see. - -“Help, fair lady!” cried the wounded stranger, when he had come within -a short distance. “I can go no further!” - -She quickly sprang to his side and kindly lent her aid to his falling -strength. - -With her assistance he reached the doorway, where he sank upon the -threshold pale and faint. - -“Let me get you a glass of wine,” she said, disappearing into the house. - -Gone but a minute, she placed the cordial to his lips, when he drank a -strong draught. - -Revived by its potent power he started up to look wildly around. - -“Do you see them?” he asked, huskily. - -“Who?” she questioned in surprise. - -“A body of horsemen. I had a narrow escape from them. My horse was shot -and after running until nearly exhausted I saw your house. I had barely -strength to get here. I trust you will befriend me,” and his dark eyes -were turned toward her in pleading more eloquent than words. - -Her eyes fell before his gaze. - -“You are a Yankee!” she exclaimed in confusion. - -“Yes,” he answered frankly. “I am one of Sherman’s scouts.” - -A shadow fell upon her fair countenance. - -“We are rebels, here!” she faltered. “I have a brother in Johnston’s -army.” - -It was his turn to look dismayed. - -“Pardon me, I could go no further. I----” - -“Never mind; you seem like an honest man, though one of Abe Lincoln’s -hirelings. You can rest here until you regain your strength.” - -“Thank you. I will not stop long, for it would not be well for you to -have them find me here.” - -“They may not come this way. Do you know whose command it was?” - -“It was led by Captain Dermot.” - -She turned pale as he uttered the name. - -“He is a bad man. But you are wounded. Forgive me for not thinking of -it before.” - -“I do not think it is anything serious. I bandaged it so as to stop -somewhat the flow of blood. It is nothing,” and he smiled faintly. - -“But I must insist upon seeing that it is properly cared for with your -permission. I am quite a surgeon.” - -“Your countenance seems very familiar to me, but it can’t be that we -have met before.” - -“No; our name is Morland.” - -“Morland!” he repeated, excitedly. “Then you are Mara Morland?” - -She started with wonder as he mentioned her name. - -“Forgive me,” he hastened to say, “but I have recognized you from your -portrait which I have seen many times. You have a brother Harry.” - -“Yes; but he is in the army now.” - -“He and I were chums at college.” - -“And you are Curtis Remington?” - -“The same. This is a glad surprise to me. I little dreamed of meeting -you.” - -“I wish that Harry were here. He used to speak of you often, and he -told me how you once saved his life. It seems like meeting an old -friend.” - -“Thank you. So Harry is in the army. I have not heard from him since we -left college. The war broke out soon after and I enlisted at once.” - -“I shall be glad when this cruel war is over,” she exclaimed with a -shudder. “But look! there is a body of horsemen coming this way!” - -“It is Captain Dermot’s company!” declared Curtis Remington. “Can it be -possible they have tracked me here?” - -“They are coming directly this way. They are riding fast, too.” - -“Then I must leave you at once. Many thanks for your kindness. Ah,” he -added, suppressing a groan as he staggered to his feet, “my race is -almost run.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. TRACKED. - - -“You cannot--you must not go!” she cried, excitedly. “You will fare no -worse by staying here.” - -“But captivity means death,” he declared, quickly; “and I prefer to die -as becomes a soldier. I thank you, but----” - -“Surely they will not kill you.” - -“I shall be shot as a spy!” - -“Not if I can save you. What can I do? Oh, I have it; I will secrete -you where they cannot find you. Follow me.” - -“It will imperil your own life. I can not do it.” - -“No--no! Come, quick! See! they are almost here,” and she caught him -excitedly by the arm. - -Forgetting his wounds he followed her up the stairs. - -Reaching the hall she led the way into one of the adjoining apartments. - -“Where can you hide?” she said. “In that trunk. Will that do?” - -He shook his head. - -At the same time he glanced around the room. - -The walls were sheathed with boards. Some wearing apparel was hanging -in one corner: otherwise they were bare. - -“If I could get off one of those boards.” - -She comprehended his meaning. - -“One of them is loose,” she replied. “Grandpa promised to nail it on -this morning.” - -While speaking she began to remove one of the boards that helped to -form the partition. - -“See! there is room for you to stand in and they will never think of -looking there.” - -“But what----” - -“Don’t hesitate. I hear them in the yard. We have no time to lose. Go -in there and leave the rest to me.” - -He could do no better. - -“Have good courage,” she said softly, “and I will answer for your -safety.” - -Before he could reply she had replaced the board. - -She had barely time to hang the garments over the place, when a loud -thumping was heard at the door. - -Overcoming her fears as much as possible, she hastily descended the -stairs. - -Captain Dermot and his squad were at the door. - -“Hilloa there!” cried the Confederate leader. “I should think you were -all dead or run away.” - -“What means this unceremonious summons, Captain Dermot?” - -“We are after a cursed Yankee spy. Have you seen him pass this way, -Miss Morland?” - -“No, sir.” - -“He rode a dark horse and----” - -“But when I saw him he was afoot, captain,” interrupted one of his -followers. “His horse must have played out.” - -“You are sure he was coming this way?” - -“As certain as I am that I am looking at you.” - -“Then he can’t be far off. Are you sure you have not seen him, Miss -Morland?” - -“I might have seen him and not have known him,” she replied evasively. -“Come to think of it a young man did pass near the house this morning. -He was quite tall, and wore a citizen’s suit with a black, slouched -hat. That much I noticed.” - -“He is our man!” cried Captain Dermot, excitedly. “Come on, boys. We -shall soon overtake him.” - -“Hold on, captain!” exclaimed the flaxen-haired soldier who had ridden -nearer to the house than any of the others, “here is something that -tells a story if I’m not mistaken.” - -As he spoke he raised on the point of his gun where it had lain by the -door a fine silk handkerchief. - -Mara uttered a low exclamation of dismay. - -Quickly holding the handkerchief up to the gaze of the others they read -the letters “C. R.” embroidered in one corner. - -“They mean Curtis Remington--Cavalry Curt,” said the soldier with a -smile of triumph. “He must have dropped it there.” - -“And can’t be far away himself.” - -“Perhaps he is hiding in this vicinity now.” - -“More than likely. Miss Morland, you have deceived us.” - -“Captain Dermot,” said Mara with quivering lips, “do you doubt my -loyalty? I would rather die than betray the cause my brother has so -nobly espoused.” - -“I do not doubt it,” replied the Confederate, “but we must find that -accursed spy if possible. General Johnston has offered a thousand -dollars to the man who captures him. You will not object to our -searching your buildings?” - -“No--no. But is it necessary? Grandpa is away. Can’t you wait until he -returns.” - -“Delays are dangerous. Besides Cavalry Curt is no ordinary man. We must -not waste any more time. Stand aside, Miss Morland, and let us begin -our disagreeable task.” - -She saw that it was madness to offer further opposition. - -Leaving half his number to guard the buildings and see that no one -escaped, Captain Dermot with the others began a search for the fugitive -scout. - -“Here is blood upon the stairs!” cried the sharp-eyed soldier who had -discovered the tell-tale handkerchief. “He must have been wounded; he -has gone this way.” - -“You’re a brick, Logan!” exclaimed Captain Dermot, leaping up the -stairs three at a time, “follow me, boys, and we’ll run the fox to his -den. Ha! here is more blood!” - -Mara’s hopes fell as she heard the startling words. - -She had taken a great interest in the stranger scout and wished that he -might escape. - -Again it might fare ill with them were he found on their premises. - -She heard the horde enter the very room in which the scout was -concealed. - -Her heart almost ceased its beating. - -With trembling steps she ascended the stairs. - -She was met on the second floor by the Confederate captain. - -“We don’t find the hound,” he muttered. “But he can’t be far away.” - -Then as a baleful light flashed from his piercing eyes he cried: - -“Mara Morland, you know where he is!” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. A FEARFUL ALTERNATIVE. - - -The accusation was so sudden that she started back with an exclamation -of terror. - -“And you shall be made to tell!” he continued, fiercely, seizing her -rudely by the shoulder. - -“Back, ruffian!” she cried, with flashing eyes, breaking from his -clutch. - -“Don’t let her escape!” commanded Captain Dermot. “She is in league -with the Yankee dog.” - -At that moment a loud commotion in the hall below caught their -attention. - -“What’s up?” cried Dermot running to the head of the stairs. - -“We’ve got the old man; but he fit like a wild-cat.” - -“Bring him up here at once.” - -In spite of his resistance Caleb Morland was dragged up the stairs. - -“What means this treatment, Captain Dermot?” said the old man, as soon -as he could speak. - -“No harm to you, colonel. Perhaps the boys are a little rough though. -Release him, boys.” - -“There, colonel you are a free man. We are in search of a Yankee spy -who is hiding somewhere on your premises.” - -“A Yankee spy hiding on my premises!” repeated Colonel Morland in -amazement. “Impossible, Captain Dermot.” - -“Pardon me, colonel, but it is even so. We saw him come this way, and -what better evidence do you want than that, picked up at your door,” -said the Confederate, triumphantly, displaying the handkerchief dropped -by the scout. - -“He is Cavalry Curt, the most dangerous man in Sherman’s army.” - -“I have heard of him,” acknowledged the old man, huskily. “But you must -be mistaken in thinking that he is here. I have only been out of the -house a few minutes, and surely you do not doubt my loyalty enough to -think that I would give protection to one of Abe Lincoln’s spies?” - -The old man showed great emotion and his tone was one of honesty. - -“No--no; not you, colonel. But--young ladies are sometimes rashly -influenced by a good-looking stranger,” and he looked at Mara who was a -silent spectator. - -Colonel Morland caught the meaning of that look; at least he exclaimed: - -“Explain yourself, Captain Dermot.” - -“Ask the young lady if she has seen the man we are in quest of,” he -replied. - -“Mara, have you seen Cavalry Curt?” questioned her grandparent. - -“Grandpa,” and she spoke quite calmly, “I cannot answer that question, -for I do not know Cavalry Curt, I have told Captain Dermot that a man -answering to his description was here this morning. He came here soon -after you left me. Where he is now I cannot tell. Were Captain Dermot a -gentleman he would not trouble us further.” - -“Ha--ha! you see how it is, captain. You have no reason to doubt our -loyalty, I hope you will capture the Yankee dog. Were I not so old I -would join you in the search.” - -“Bah! Colonel Morland, you jump to a hasty conclusion, it is not your -loyalty that we doubt, but the girl’s! We know the Yankee dog is in -this house!” - -The other started with a look of amazement. - -“I am sure that you are mistaken, captain; and to prove my sincerity I -give you permission to search my buildings as much as you like.” - -“That we must do, colonel, and shall level them to the earth but we -will find them. - -“Logan and Andrews, see that the old man and the girl do not leave this -room. The rest of you continue the search.” - -“A sorry day it will be for you, colonel, if we find that spy on your -premises.” - -Completely overcome, the old man bowed his head in silence. - -Mara, too, was speechless. - -Fifteen minutes later the Confederates gathered around them. - -Captain Dermot’s swarthy face looked blacker than ever. - -“It’s no use wasting time in that way,” he muttered. - -“Mara Morland, you know where that spy is hiding, and, by heavens, you -shall tell us or we will tear this house down over your heads.” - -It was a fearful moment to the maiden. “Spare us,” she implored. “We -are loyal yet.” - -“Will you tell us where Cavalry Curt is hiding?” - -“I cannot!” - -“You lie. Colonel Morland, do you uphold her in this scheme?” - -“No--no. Mara, if you know where the spy is secreted tell him and spare -us further trouble.” - -“Grandpa, are we to submit to his insolence? I would that my brother -were here.” - -“So do I, my child.” - -“He may learn of this sooner than you will wish,” retorted Captain -Dermot, fiercely. - -“Duty compels me to do what is far from pleasant. Colonel Morland, -consider yourself our prisoner. Buck Logan, see that he is securely -bound.” - -“That I will, captain.” - -“Oh, no--no!” cried Mara. “Spare him.” - -In spite of her entreaties and his struggles, Caleb Morland was quickly -seized and bound. - -“Now a piece of rope, men. I’ll see if they can’t be brought to terms.” - -The rope was quickly forthcoming. - -“Make a slipping noose in one end and put it around the old man’s neck. -There, that’s it. Now, Mara Morland, tell us where that infernal -Yankee is hiding, or your grandfather swings from that window within -one minute!” - - - - -CHAPTER V. AS BRAVE AS SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. - - -It was a startling tableau. - -Colonel Morland looked pale and fearful. There was no pity in the looks -of his captors. Though used to scenes of war, and he had served through -the struggle of 1812, he was at a loss to account for his present -treatment. - -Mara, on whom the dark eyes of Captain Dermot were fixed, turned pale, -though she did not lose her self-possession. - -“Girl,” he exclaimed, tersely, “where have you secreted that spy?” - -“I deny your right to question me,” she replied with flashing eyes. - -A sardonic smile rested on his thin lips. - -“Answer my question at once, girl, or the old man shall hang. Then we -will tear the house down but we will find him. Men, I’ll give her ten -seconds to decide, and then if she persist in her madness drag the old -scoundrel to the window where he shall hang----” - -“Never!” cried the clear, sharp voice of the brave girl. “Dare to harm -him and you die, Captain Dermot!” - -She had suddenly drawn a pistol, and its gleaming muzzle stared the -Confederate chief in the face. - -He started back with a cry of terror. - -Her beautiful countenance shone with excitement, but she gave no -evidence of fear. - -Her tone was calm and measured as she said: - -“You see that I am in earnest, Captain Dermot, and the first move that -is made signs your doom. I have undertaken to save the life of Curtis -Remington and I will do it though it costs me my own.” - -A murmur of admiration went up from the spectators. - -Before it had died away a crash was heard in the room and a portion of -one of the walls fell to the floor. - -The next moment, to the amazement of the Confederates, Cavalry Curt -stood in their presence. - -“I cannot allow this to continue,” he said, firmly. - -“Miss Morland, you have my heartfelt thanks for your interference in my -behalf. But I will relieve you of all further anxiety. Captain Dermot, -since it is me that you want, I will surrender upon two conditions.” - -A wicked smile played upon the dark visage of the latter. - -No one in the room was more surprised at the scout’s appearance than -Colonel Morland. - -“What are those conditions, pray, Sir Yank?” sneered Dermot. - -“First, that you leave these people in peace. They are not to blame for -my presence here. Second, that I shall be treated as a prisoner of war.” - -“Of course we intend to do all that you have asked. So you will -surrender? Men----” - -“Hold! not too fast. Remember that I am not in your hands yet.” - -“I should like to know what stands between us.” - -“Your life!” was the cool reply. - -“Have done with this fooling. Do you surrender or not? Girl, be careful -how you handle that pistol.” - -“You promise that these people shall not be disturbed, sir?” - -“I do.” - -“And that you will take me to your headquarters before your commander?” - -“Of course.” - -“Then I give myself up as a prisoner of war.” - -It required no second bidding for the soldiers to secure so valuable a -captive, and a minute later Cavalry Curt was in the power of his foes. - -Colonel Morland had been freed, so that he breathed easier. - -Mara looked on in silence, and though she had lowered the weapon she -still held it in her hand. - -“I hope you will lose nothing by your conduct to-day,” said Captain -Dermot, more in mockery, we suspect, than sincerity. - -She offered no reply. - -“Come, men,” he continued, “we can afford to start for headquarters -now. We have done a good day’s work.” - -“Good-day, Colonel Morland; I am sorry for the treatment we were forced -to give you, but it may learn you a lesson.” - -A minute later the party were mounting their horses. - -Curt had whispered a kind good-bye to her who had so nobly defended -him, as his captors bore him out of the room. - -“Never fear for me,” he said. “I am a soldier who is not afraid to die. -Give my regards to Hal when you see him.” - -She would fain have spoken to him, but the Confederate chief pushed her -rudely aside as he hurried past. - -She stood at the window watching the cavalcade in their preparations to -start, while in spite of herself tears came into her eyes. - -Buck Logan returned to the room for something he had forgotten, or at -least pretended to have left. - -Mara turned at the sound of his footsteps. - -“What, in tears!” he exclaimed in surprise. “I thought you were too -brave a girl for that.” - -“Oh, Mr. Logan, what will they do with him?” - -“He is a spy and will have to meet the fate of a spy, I suppose. But I -did not know he was your friend, Mara--Miss Morland.” - -“I never saw him until to-day, but he was a friend to Harry. He seems -like a noble man.” - -“Well enough I dare say. But do not let your sympathy rob you of your -reason. The boys are starting and I must not delay longer. I hope to -see you again soon.” - -He had taken one of her hands in his and pressing it to his lips, he -hastily left the room. - -“Mara, I don’t understand this,” said Colonel Morland, turning to her -as the horsemen rode away with the captive scout in their midst. - -Not without some confusion did she tell him of the morning’s adventures. - -Half an hour later she laid her hand on his shoulder saying: - -“Grandpa, I am going to Dalton.” - -“To Dalton?” he echoed. “What for, my child?” - -“To save, if possible, the life of Curtis Remington.” - -“Nay, nay, child; you are insane now, to think of it.” - -Wild and impracticable as the venture seemed then, succeeding events -not only made it possible but feasible and imperative as well; of this -more anon. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. TO DIE AT ONCE. - - -General J. E. Johnston, the commander of the Confederate forces in -Georgia, at the head of forty-five thousand men, was intrenched at -Dalton, lying in wait for the advancing troops of Sherman, then -marching into this stronghold of the Confederacy from Chattanooga. - -The last Confederate gunboat had been driven from the Mississippi and -the great basin of the south and west was safe in Union keeping. - -The great strength of the South now was its inland armies, which were -fed by the granaries and supported by the factories of Georgia. - -Here were the great grain growing prairies which afforded the -sustenance that an army requires. - -In the heart of the state, the center of a net-work of manufacturing -cities and villages, was Atlanta, from which the army was supplied with -powder, shot--in fact, all the appurtenances of war. - -Through Macon and Atlanta ran the great railroad lines between the -eastern and the western Confederacy. - -Georgia then was the Confederate stronghold. - -To rend it asunder from mountain to sea as had been done in the -Mississippi was the next work of the Northern troops. - -The man called upon to undertake this herculian task was Sherman. - -He had just performed his superb march of four hundred miles from -Vicksburg to Chattanooga and added to this another hundred miles to -Knoxville in season to relieve Burnside. - -At the head of one hundred thousand men he was now at Ringgold, on the -other side of the mountain, in direct line with Dalton and Atlanta -biding his time of action. - -To follow the fortunes of Cavalry Curt, however, we must go to the -Confederate headquarters. - -On the afternoon of the same day that witnessed the scout’s capture, -General Johnston, in company with subordinate officers, was in his tent -busily examining a lot of charts and papers that lay before him. - -“They are still impatient at Richmond for me to begin the offensive,” -said the commander after a pause, as he looked up from the documents, -and reading for the third time the latest dispatch from the Confederate -capital. “But I am no better prepared to do it than when I first -declined to do so last Christmas. Their plans look well enough on -paper, but put into actual practice must fail. Sherman’s army more -than double ours in number, and then he is fortified at the very apex -of the two entrances into Georgia. The moment that I advance on either -hand our rear is open to his attack. Once our supplies from Atlanta are -cut off, we are lost. No,” he continued thoughtfully, slowly shaking -his head, “I dare not take the risk. Our wisest course is to draw the -northern forces on as near to Atlanta as possible before we engage in -regular battle with them. I am anxious----” - -He was interrupted in the midst of his speech by the sound of a body of -horsemen passing the tent. - -“It is Captain Dermot’s scouting squad,” exclaimed one. - -“And see, he has a prisoner,” added another. “I truly believe it is the -devil he went in quest of.” - -“Orderly, here; stop Captain Dermot. I wish to speak to him.” - -Captain Dermot, proud of his day’s work, was only too glad to meet his -superior, and he saluted him with an air of triumph. - -“You have returned sooner than we expected, Captain Dermot. Whom have -you there?” - -“Cavalry Curt, General Johnston.” - -“Sherman’s spy?” - -“The same, general. The identical person, too, who was in our midst -yesterday disguised as a Quaker farmer, and who made such a daring ride -for freedom. - -“We tracked him to the mountain, and this morning succeeded in -effecting his capture, though I will say he is a good fighter.” - -“You have done well, Captain Dermot, and nobly won the commission -promised you for his capture.” - -“Many thanks, General Johnston,” replied the elated officer bowing low. -“And if I may be so bold I would recommend my friend, Sergeant Logan, -as deserving of favor. We owe our success in a great measure to him.” - -“I will remember your suggestion, major,” giving the other for the -first time his new rank. - -“So this is Cavalry Curt,” he continued, turning to the prisoner. “Ah, -you hardly look like the reckless dare-devil you have been pictured; -but from your present appearance I can see that you have been sorely -driven. I suppose you realize your situation.” - -“Better perhaps than you, general,” replied Curt, speaking for the -first time, his cool, measured tone sending a thrill through the frames -of his listeners. - -“You are too brave a man to belong to the cause you have espoused,” -continued the Confederate commander. “Let me give you a chance to see -yonder sun set.” - -“General Johnston,” said the scout, quickly, comprehending the other’s -meaning, “I am brave enough to meet death but not brave enough to -betray my country.” - -“My faith, but I like your appearance much. You shall have a commission -if----” - -“Pardon me, general, but here is a dispatch for you and a courier -awaits your pleasure.” - -The commander took the packet from his orderly’s hand, and with a -nervous hand broke the seal. - -“Sherman’s army is on the move,” he muttered under his breath. “Thomas -is on a march to Buzzard’s Gap. At last the campaign has opened and the -time for more decisive action on our part has come. Colonel Markham,” -turning to one of his subordinates, “I leave the fate of the prisoner -in your hands. More important duties engage my attention. Have ten men -detailed from your regiment placed under charge of a competent officer -who shall see that the prisoner immediately meets the fate of a spy. -Remember, colonel, immediately; for we know not how soon we may be -obliged to move. Sherman has begun work.” - -“I will see that your orders are carried out to the letter, general.” - - - - -CHAPTER VII. PUT TO THE TEST. - - -Captain Morland was alone in his tent, when an orderly appeared at the -door and handed him a paper. - -We need not be told that he is Mara Morland’s brother; there is a -strong likeness between the two. - -He is a manly-looking fellow who has entered heart and soul into the -struggle for the Southern cause. He has already seen much of hard -service and is ready for more. - -Tearing open the paper he read: - - HEADQUARTERS OF } - FIFTH GEORGIA INF., C. S. A., } - May 6th, 1864. } - - “_Captain Morland_:--Report to me at my quarters with a detail of ten - men as soon as possible. - - “PHILIP MARKHAM, Colonel.” - -“I wonder what is up now,” he mused, preparing at once to obey his -orders. “Something unusual; I am certain that he summons me rather than -Lieutenant Dodge.” - -His curiosity well aroused, Captain Morland acted very promptly. - -“On hand with your usual alacrity, captain,” greeted his superior. “I -have a delicate task on call else I should not have selected you. You -see our men have captured a troublesome fellow called Cavalry Curt, -one of Sherman’s spies. He is to be shot at sunset and the unpleasant -duty has been assigned to you. See that there is no blunder in the -proceedings. You will find him under guard down at the lower barracks. -As soon as it is over report to me. By the way news have come that -Sherman is beginning hostilities. It looks as if we might be called -to the front at any moment. It is no time to harbor spies. Captain -Morland, your duty is plain. I trust we can depend upon you for the -work.” - -“You can, Colonel Markham, though I wish some one else might have been -selected.” - -At the head of his squad Captain Morland repaired as rapidly as -possible to the lower barracks, to find the guard with the prisoner -anxiously awaiting his arrival. - -“Is everything in readiness, sergeant?” asked the captain. “We have no -time to spare.” - -“A grave has been dug and there is no need for further delays. I resign -the prisoner into your hands, Captain Morland.” - -“Very well; place the prisoner at the edge of the pit and measure off -twenty yards. We must have this over as soon as possible.” - -Cavalry Curt sent a swift glance upon the Confederate captain as he -spoke, and a low groan escaped his lips. - -The next instant he turned his face away as if watching the setting sun. - -He had recognized his former friend but the discovery only seemed to -make his fate harder to bear. - -“I hope Hal won’t recognize me,” he thought. “It will only make his -duty the more difficult to perform.” - -Those who heard his groan attributed its utterance to a different cause -than that which produced it. - -“So your courage begins to fail you,” said one of those whose duty it -was to remove him to the fated post. “Well it will soon be over. Will -you be blindfolded?” - -“No--yes.” - -Cavalry Curt uttered the affirmative when the thought occurred to him -that it would serve to hide his face. - -But his voice had betrayed him. - -Captain Morland turned his searching gaze upon him and their eyes met. - -“Curt Remington!” - -“Hal Morland!” - -It was a strange meeting for old friends. - -The scout was the first to recover his self-possession. - -“I hoped you wouldn’t recognize me, Hal. But do your duty. It is a poor -soldier who is afraid to die.” - -“No--no! not that, Curt. My God, I did not dream of this. I have not -forgot the debt that I owe you. How came you here?” - -“I was caught as a spy. But see, the sun is setting. You jeopardize -your own life by this delay. Once more I ask you to do your duty.” - -Captain Morland made a few swift passes which were quickly answered by -the other. - -“That settles it,” he exclaimed with a lighter countenance. “There -isn’t power enough in the South to compel me to do this deed.” - -Turning to the wondering soldiers he said: - -“Boys, that man is a Freemason. So am I. They may do what they will -to me, but I cannot see this work go on. I am bound by an oath that -I cannot break to harm no one of the fraternity. Some one else must -finish this work. For the present I order him to the guard-house. See -that he does not escape. I will report to headquarters.” - -With a few passes made to the captive scout, which the others of course -did not understand, he wheeled and started for the colonel’s tent. - -It would be difficult to describe Captain Morland’s feeling as he -presented himself to his superior. - -“What, have you got over with it as soon as this, captain? I think you -have outdone yourself this time.” - -“And you will have great reason for thinking so, Colonel Markham, when -I ask to be released from this work, as I do.” - -“Wish to be released from the work?” exclaimed the other. “I never knew -you to shirk from a duty before, Captain Morland. It was for that very -reason I selected you of all others.” - -“Thank you, colonel, but for once I must prove faithless to your trust, -even though I lose my commission by it. I am sorry it has happened.” - -“Explain yourself,” was the impatient rejoinder. - -“The prisoner is a Freemason and so am I. My oath forbids----” - -“Oh! ho! so that is it. I see--I see!” exclaimed the astonished -colonel. “We can make that all right, captain. I feared it was -something else.” - -“I trust my loyalty is above suspicion, colonel.” - -“So it is; on my faith, it is. But what have you done with the -prisoner?” - -“I ordered him to the guard-house to be kept under strict surveillance.” - -“You did right. He will be safe there until morning. He shall be -attended to then. I have just received an important notice from -headquarters. Our brigade has been ordered to the relief at Buzzard’s -Gap and we are likely to receive marching orders at any moment. It -looks as though we were in for hot work.” - -“Anything to break the monotony of this camp life,” exclaimed Morland, -“but I have a little business to look after, so you must excuse me, -colonel.” - -“Certainly; only see that the boys are in readiness for a start. -Good-evening.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. CAPTAIN MORLAND AGAIN SURPRISED. - - -“Some one to see you, Captain Morland,” was the greeting he received -upon reaching his tent. - -Entering he saw a person standing in the center of the apartment as if -anxiously awaiting his coming. - -“Captain Morland, I believe,” said the visitor. - -“At your service, sir. I do not recognize you in the darkness, though -your voice has a familiar ring.” - -“I would see you alone a few minutes, captain.” - -“Very well; I will give directions not to be disturbed. I will be back -in a moment.” - -He soon returned closing the tent opening behind him. - -“Will you please make known your errand?” - -“Is it possible, brother,” said the other lowly, “that my disguise is -so complete you do not recognize me?” - -Had a cannon-ball dropped at his feet Captain Morland could not have -been more surprised. - -“What! Mara! you here?” - -“Hush! don’t speak my name.” - -“But what does this mean? What has happened?” - -Unheeding his questions she asked, catching him by the arm: - -“Oh, Harry! have you seen him? Am I too late?” - -Again he started with surprise, but in a moment he comprehended her -meaning. - -“You refer to Curtis Remington. I have seen him.” - -“And--and he lives?” - -Her tone was hardly audible. - -“Yes.” - -“I am so glad. Is he safe?” - -“Until morning.” - -“He must be saved!” - -“Alas! I fear it is impossible. But tell me how you came here. I am in -a fog.” - -In a few words she told of the morning’s adventure; and then how she, -disguised, had succeeded in reaching the place after running the -gantlet of detection. - -“I felt it my duty to do something to save him. I feared you would not -know of his being here. So I have come.” - -“But you have run a fearful risk.” - -“Do not speak of that. But tell me what can be done for him.” - -Captain Morland quickly acquainted her with the particulars of the -postponed execution. - -“It is an unpleasant turn of affairs,” he said in conclusion, “but no -more than one must be prepared to meet in the fortunes of war. Curt is -a spy and a dreaded foe to our cause. I love him as a brother, but am -powerless to help him. God knows I would gladly save him if I could.” - -She wrung her hands in agony. - -“And you are sure that he will be shot to-morrow?” - -“As certain as I am that the sun will rise. But, Mara, this is weak in -you. He is not the only one----” - -“I know--I know, brother. But I--I love him! I am willing to give my -life to save him!” - -She reeled to and fro as if she would fall. - -“This is weak in you, Mara,” he said, folding her to his breast. -“Come, put him from your mind; and in the morning you must return -home. Grandfather--hark! there is the bugle-call. We have had marching -orders. I must go. Our brigade is ordered to Buzzard’s Gap.” - -Pressing a hurried kiss upon her brow, he gently put her from him. - -“It is hard to leave you, but I must. Stay here to-night and start for -home in the morning,” he said. “You will be careful of yourself, Mara, -won’t you?” - -“Yes, yes, Harry. Oh, this is dreadful.” - -“Be brave--ha! I mustn’t tarry longer. Good-bye.” - -Another kiss and he was gone. - -Mara Morland pressed her hands to her temples in a dazed, bewildered -state of mind. - -Then she suddenly started up. - -“What have I done?” she asked herself. “He is gone and I have told him -nothing. God forgive me that I should so far have forgotten my duty. -These tears ill become the garb that I wear. I thought that I had more -self-control. I wonder if he is gone? He said to Buzzard’s Gap. That is -a part of Sherman’s design. His plans are working well. I must act ere -it is too late.” - -While speaking thus she was brushing the tear drops from her eyes. - -As soon as she had somewhat gained control of herself she peered out of -the tent. - -All was bustle and excitement. - -“It is no use to look for him now. I must go to the commander’s -headquarters.” - -Acting upon this thought she boldly left the tent. - -No one seemed to notice her and she breathed easier as she hurried on -her way. - -At last to her relief the quarters of General Johnston was reached. - -The commander, however, was very busy and she had to wait what seemed -to her a long time. - -She was glad that it was night for in the semi-darkness she escaped in -part the scrutinous gaze of the lookers-on. - -“Come, there is no time to spare if you must speak to the commander,” -exclaimed the brusque orderly at last. - -“General, some one to see you who will not take ‘No’ for an answer.” - -With high-beating heart Mara advanced into the presence of the -impatient chief. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. MARA MORLAND’S MISSION. - - -If it was General Johnston’s aim to draw the Northern troops as near as -possible to Atlanta before engaging in the culminating battle, General -Sherman, on the other hand, was equally as anxious to meet his foe at -an early day and as far from the Confederate arsenal as it might be. -Could he shatter Johnston’s army, as he felt confident of doing, his -march to the sea would be simply a “walk over.” - -The great mountain system of East Tennessee outstretched like a giant -arm into the heart of the Confederacy. - -Leaving Chattanooga, the natural bastion on the lines of the Georgian -communication, Sherman paused at Ringgold, and from this place -inaugurated his grand strategic movement. - -Through Rocky Face Mountain from the latter place ran a narrow ravine -affording the only passage to the eastern valley, on the one hand, and -along whose rocky bottom wound the highway and railroad to Dalton. - -At the mouth of this valley, called Buzzard’s Roost Gap, Johnston had -erected strong defenses by planting his batteries on the rocky spurs of -the mountain sides. To make his position doubly certain he had flooded -the ravine by dams in the creek. - -This position but illustrated Johnston’s entire situation, and -Sherman’s practical eye saw that to drive him from his craggy citadel -he must make a detour to the south and cut off his communication with -Atlanta. - -This task was assigned to McPherson. - -Thomas meanwhile, to hold the Confederates’ attention in that -direction, was to actually storm Buzzard’s Gap. - -Schofield was to march against the enemy’s right flank thus adding to -the deception of Thomas’ attack. - -The purpose in view, however, was for McPherson to reach Reseca, a -place about twenty miles south of Dalton, and there fall upon the -railroad thus cutting off the Confederate’s supplies. - -Intrenching himself there McPherson was to wage war upon Johnston in -flank until he would be obliged to turn to grapple with him, when the -rear would be open to Thomas and Schofield. - -Johnston had received intelligence of the contemplated attack on -Buzzard’s Gap as has been shown. Sherman’s real intentions were as yet -unknown to him. - -We have been thus particular in stating the situation to show the -importance of Mara Morland’s mission to Johnston’s quarters on that -evening. - -“Well, what is your business, sir?” asked General Johnston, without -looking up from the chart that he was examining, as Mara in her -disguise stood before him. - -“Important, sir, if I mistake not. I am the bearer of a message from -Boyd Wyman.” - -“Boyd Wyman!” exclaimed the general quickly looking up. “Where is he?” - -“At the home of Colonel Morland, sir. He is wounded and could not come.” - -“So that accounts for his continued absence. I sent him to learn if -possible Sherman’s projected plans. I had began to fear that some -mischance had overtaken him.” - -“He barely escaped with his life, sir; and reached our place this -morning unable to go further. Here are the papers, sir, he requested me -to hand you.” - -General Johnston eagerly took the packet and tearing it open was soon -perusing its contents. - -Mara saw his countenance change as he read on, and the hand that held -the paper trembled. - -“Well, well,” he broke forth, at last, “this puts a new phase on the -matter. Had I known this an hour earlier my plans would have been laid -differently. But better late than never. We have time enough to reach -there. Mr. Morland, for that is the name Wyman gives you, you have done -us a great service. Any favor I can do you?” - -“I would like a pass, sir, so that I can return home.” - -“Certainly, and bear my good wishes to Wyman.” - -“Thank you. And--and if it is not asking too much,” stammered Mara, “I -would like permission to visit Curtis Remington, the captive spy.” - -Her heart seemed to stop its beating as she waited for his reply. - -The general looked up with a frown. - -“I don’t know about that. He was to have been shot at sunset, but some -one blundered. Do you know him?” - -“I knew him at one time.” - -“I see no harm in granting your request, and in consideration of the -service you have done us, I will.” - -Seizing pen and paper he began to hurriedly write. - -“Your full name, please.” - -“Mara Morland.” - -She could have bitten her tongue out for giving utterance to the name. -But it was just as well. “Mara” seemed as appropriate for a man as a -woman. - -“There you are,” declared the commander, handing her two slips of -paper; “good-evening.” - -Glad to get away so easy, she passed out of the tent. - -Johnston, now familiar with the enemy’s plans, immediately held a -council with some of his subordinate officers. - -Leaving him to prepare for a meeting with McPherson at Reseca we will -follow the fortunes of Mara Morland. - -The uppermost thought in her mind now was to rescue Cavalry Curt. - -No one knew better than she the peril of the undertaking, and a less -brave heart would have shrunk from the attempt. - -But one course seemed open to her and she resolved to carry it out. - -It was too early in the night, however, for the work to be begun so -she sauntered toward her brother’s tent, watchful of all that was -transpiring around her. - -Passing one of the camp-fires she heard loud voices, and coupled with -other names she fancied she heard her own. - -Advancing in a listless manner she got within hearing without -attracting attention. - -The party was composed of a portion of Captain Dermot’s scouting squad. - -She saw Lieutenant Logan, easily distinguished by his long, flaxen hair -among them. - -He was speaking. - -She held her breath at the sound of his voice. - -“Yes, she is true grit every time. I admired her spunk and I didn’t -like her course of action.” - -“Think she is spoony on the Yank?” - -“Looks like it. But I tell you those Morlands are going to get into -trouble, if they ain’t already, over that spy. The captain’s course -this afternoon was shameful.” - -“S’pose they’ll shoot the spy in the morning?” - -“Of course; and I should like the job. Reckon they wouldn’t find me a -Freemason--ha--ho! That’s the best joke I have heard lately.” - -“Is it true the colonel has sent a man up to old Morland’s?” - -“Yes; he smells a rat somewhere. Leastways the major does, and he has -put him up to it.” - -“By the way, the captain fills his new rank well.” - -Hearing nothing more of interest to her, Mara finally turned away to -seek Captain Morland’s tent. - - - - -CHAPTER X. THE WIZARD SCOUT. - - -As Mara came in sight of her brother’s tent she saw some one pacing -slowly back and forth before its entrance. - -Advancing boldly she drew nearer until he turned at the sound of her -approach and pausing in his beat coolly faced her. - -His long, flowing hair and beard was white with the frosts of many -years. - -His tall form, however, gave no indication of the weight of years that -it bore. - -His eyes, too, retained all the fire of youth. Ay, from out of their -depths flashed at times the light which told plainly of the slumbering -flame of insanity. - -“I knew you would come here,” he said, calmly. - -“But--I do not know you,” exclaimed Mara in alarm, glancing toward a -group of soldiers just beyond. - -“Nor need you marvel at that,” replied the stranger, lowly. “I know -every man in the Confederate army, but no one knows me! Nor would they -recognize me if they did. The tent is vacated now; come in.” - -She might do worse than to obey. - -“You are on a dangerous errand, young woman,” were his first words. - -She started with a low exclamation of fear. - -“Do not be alarmed,” he hastened to say. “I will be more careful how I -speak. You have nothing to fear from me. You are cleverly disguised. It -is to warn you that I am here.” - -“Pray who are you?” - -“They call me Old Fatality. But that is only a name synonymous with -my work, you know. All other names are misnomers, however, so away -with them. You have been rash in coming here when your own home is in -jeopardy. You are needed there, even now. Is the life of a stranger -dearer to you than the loved ones at home?” - -She was silent, perplexed, bewildered. - -“I understand,” he went on. “You have come here in the cause of your -state. By your heroic conduct you have averted the disaster that hangs -over the army of Georgia. But its downfall is surely coming. You will -live to regret that you lent your arm to its support. Your heart should -be wholly with your patriot lover. But I am detaining you here when you -should be on your homeward journey. Even now all that you hold dear on -earth is under the bane. Within a week you will be alone--friendless -and hopeless.” - -“Sir, begone!” she exclaimed. “Who are you who dares to breathe the -breath of treason?” - -It was too dark for either to see the other’s face plainly, but both -were greatly excited. - -Mara stood with extended arm. - -“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “I have only your good at heart. See, I am -going.” - -He went as far as the edge of the tent and peered cautiously out. - -The excitement of the camp scene had somewhat died away. - -With a hasty glance he took in the view, when to the surprise of Mara, -he rapidly returned to her side. - -“Be calm,” he said in a tone hardly above a whisper. “You have come to -rescue Cavalry Curt! So have I! Listen to my directions and it shall be -well. You can trust me.” - -More surprised than ever Mara bowed her head. - -“You have a pass for him?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then go boldly down to his place of confinement and demand an -entrance. The guard will pass you. Let the prisoner don this suit of -gray,” handing her a bundle that he carried under his cloak. “Together -then leave the place. I will be on guard when you come out. Be bold and -it shall be well with you and him. Separate at once. Do you then go -home with all speed possible. Do you understand?” - -She could hardly credit his words. - -“You can trust me,” he declared seeing her hesitation. “If you have any -doubt ask Cavalry Curt if he knows the Wizard of the Army.” - -At the mention of that name she gazed upon him spellbound. Could she -be really gazing upon the wonderful man whose startling reputation had -reached even her mountain home? - -“I have heard of you,” she murmured. - -“I stopped at your house once when crossing the mountains. In spite of -your disguise I recognized you by your voice as soon as you spoke. I -never forget a voice. You can trust me?” - -“Yes.” - -“Good. Wait an hour; then go ahead. You will find me ready to do my -part.” - -He was moving away, when she caught him by the arm. - -“You will see Cavalry Curt when he has escaped?” - -“Without doubt.” - -“A favor then, please.” - -“It is granted.” - -“You will not mention my name to him? He must not know that I helped -him to get free.” - -“Ha! I see. Your secret is safe with me.” - -The next moment he disappeared from sight. - -Time passed slowly enough to Mara as she waited for the hour to wear -away. - -Nothing new occurred to awaken her interest. - -As she pondered over the events of the evening she wondered more and -more over the unexpected appearance of the Wizard Scout. - -Who was he? From whence had he come? and how had he learned of her -presence there? - -Then too his fearful warning--must she put credence in that? The -thought startled her. - -She had heard of him before--had heard that he was mad. - -Were this the fact, could she depend upon his assistance in the rescue -of Cavalry Curt? - -The more she reviewed her situation, the more she became entangled in -the web of mystery and doubt. - -The time for action came at last and she resolved to hazard the -desperate venture. - -Not without many misgivings did she start on her perilous mission. - -“’Tis his life or mine!” she murmured under her breath. - -Running the gantlet of others, Mara at last reached the guard who stood -on duty over the captive scout. - -“A permission to see Cavalry Curt?” - -“Who from, mister?” - -“General Johnston.” - -“Sho! so ’tis. Genuine, by Jeff. Git ’long and be lively.” - -Glad to pass so easily Mara entered the doomed spy’s quarters. - -He was lying upon the bare earth as if asleep when she entered, to -quickly look up at sight of her. - -“Is this Cavalry Curt?” she asked in a low tone. - -“They call me by that name sometimes.” - -“I need not ask if you are anxious to escape from your present plight.” - -Her tone was low and her calmness surprised herself. - -“Hardly. Who are you?” - -“A friend. Let me prove it.” - -No sooner had she spoken than she cut the ligatures that bound him. - -“May heaven bless you,” he murmured, starting to his feet, to find his -limbs so cramped and benumbed that it was some time before he could -stand. - -“Here, don this suit of gray. It will help you escape detection. I will -see that no one enters.” - -Cavalry Curt quickly made the change. - -“I am ready,” he whispered. “But how are we to run the guard?” - -“Follow me closely.” - -“Into the jaws of death though it be,” replied the scout through his -clinched teeth. “I wish I were armed.” - -“Take this,” and Mara thrust a revolver into his hand. - -“Thanks. Lead on. I am impatient to get out of this place.” - -“Come.” - -But Mara’s heart sank within her as they reached the door. - -The same sentry was on duty as had been when she entered the building. - -The Wizard Scout had failed to do his part. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. WAS HE MAD? - - -This was the first thought that flashed through her mind. - -She hesitated. - -Was it fancy or did the guard beckon her to come? - -It was too late to turn back. - -She rapidly advanced, with Cavalry Curt beside her. - -To her joy the sentry merely glancing up allowed them to pass. - -“We must separate now,” said Mara a minute later. “I trust you will -have no further trouble.” - -“Have no fear for me. But to whom am I indebted for this kind act?” - -“To the Wizard Scout,” replied Mara, and the next instant he was alone. - -“A strange man,” mused Cavalry Curt. “But I have no time to waste in -speculation. As I am not needed here I must start for the general’s -headquarters. He will think I am a tardy errand-boy.” - -But Cavalry Curt was not on his own footing yet. - -In the very heart of the enemy’s encampment it was no easy matter to -run the gantlet of his foes. - -His disguise, however, seemed sufficient, for few had seen his face. - -Again, he was familiar with every rod of the country. - -With full confidence in his ability to escape he coolly followed his -course. - -The boom of cannon was heard in the distance, coming from the direction -of Rocky Face Mountain. - -It told that the fight at Buzzard’s Roost Gap had begun. - -“I am more needed at Reseca,” he mused. “Thither will I shape my -course. Ha! as I live Johnston is sending troops to that place. He has -discovered Sherman’s ruse. I wonder if McPherson will fall into the -trap. I--it is a risky undertaking, but I am in for it. I----” - -“Helloa, Charley,” exclaimed some one breaking in upon his thoughts, -“ain’t your regiment going to Reseca!” - -The speaker had stepped from one of the tents near at hand. - -“Hang it, yes,” growled Curt in a disguised tone, instantly adapting -himself to the new situation. “And I’m in a deuced of a fix.” - -“I thought the 20th was going. What’s the trouble?” - -“My equipments are down to the barracks. I just stepped into Jackson’s -mess. Let me take your gun. Quick or I shall be too late. The last call -has sounded.” - -“Well, here’s your shooter. Tell me how many Yanks you kill. I wish I -was going. I’ve got----” - -But Cavalry Curt stopped to hear no more. - -Snatching the gun from the other’s hands he started on a run toward the -troops. - -“The 20th,” he panted of a corporal. - -“To the right, sir.” - -Watching his opportunity he fell into the ranks and a few minutes later -was marching with the Confederates on toward Reseca. - -In less than half an hour he had escaped from the guard-house and with -a recklessness of spirit that characterized his conduct had joined the -Southern ranks. - -Wild as the move seemed it proved to have been the very best he could -have made. - -In less than another half hour the news of his escape flew over the -encampment like wildfire. - -His name was on every lip and an exciting search was made for him. - -For a time at least he was safe from them. - -One other little incident deserves our attention before we turn to -record the fortunes of Mara Morland. - -It may have been two hours after the escape of Cavalry Curt was -discovered that General Johnston was startled by the appearance of an -old man in his tent. - -He had forbidden anyone to enter and was trying to get a little rest -which he was so much in need of. - -“What means this intrusion?” he asked starting up. - -“Nothing--noth-ing--no-thing--not much. Thought I must see you.” - -“Orderly Knox----” - -The strange visitor stopped him with a wave of the hand. - -“Don’t trouble yourself, general, I’m Old Fatality and I thought----” - -General Johnston repeated the name in a husky tone. - -“Yes; I am Old Fatality,” the other went on, unheeding the commander’s -discomfiture; “and though my errand is not a pleasant one it is none -the less----” - -“Orderly Knox----” - -“Stop, general! three ain’t company!” - -One of the general’s aides entered the tent. - -“What is it, general?” - -“Put that man out. He is disturbing me. How dared you let him in?” - -“How in the dickens did he get in? Mercy me, it is the mad wizard! Come -along here, old man; you are not wanted here.” - -“Of course I ain’t. Misfortune ain’t wanted anywhere; but you have to -take what the Lord sends, don’t you? I have taken the trouble to come -here and I am going to stay with you--my spirit if not my body. I was -with Beauregard at Shiloh, with Pemberton at Vicksburg, with Bragg -at Chattanooga and--you know the result. I am sorry for you, General -Johnston, for you are worthy of a better cause than which has led you -into the field, but defeat is as sure to be your portion as night is to -follow day. Adieu.” - -As silently as a shadow he passed out, the spectators unable to throw -off the spell which he had thrown over them by his burning words and -wild manner. - -When they did recover their self-possession enough to look for him he -was gone as silently and mysteriously as he had appeared. - -Though no one may have believed his words they were never forgotten; -and later on they were recalled with a startling distinctness. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. WARLIKE SCENES. - - -Fortunately for Mara Morland she had passed the pickets before the -discovery of Cavalry Curt’s escape. - -We doubt if she would have succeeded in doing so then. - -The night was clear starlight and she had no difficulty in following -the way. - -She was mounted on the same horse she had ridden in coming to Dalton -and it was barely two hours ride to her home. - -A part of her journey lay on the road to Buzzard’s Gap. - -Anxious to reach home Mara was riding at a smart canter when she -fancied she heard the sound of hoof-strokes behind her. - -Thinking nothing strange of this she kept on her way at her former rate -of speed. - -The sounds continued and even grew plainer, until she was aware that -not one rider but several horsemen were following her. - -“It must be a skirmishing party,” she thought, “or it may be troops -going to Buzzard’s Gap.” - -Whichever case it might be she had no desire to be seen so she urged -her horse on a faster gait--faster and faster until she fairly flew -along the way. - -Still to her surprise the horsemen seemed to come nearer. - -Surprise soon gave place to alarm for she felt now that she was pursued. - -Just as she was coming to this conclusion she reached the point where -she must turn from the Buzzard’s Gap road in order to reach her home. - -This then would prove the test. If the riders kept straight on she need -have no further fear. If not--she dared not contemplate the worst. - -She heard them reach the forks of the road, and for a moment she -thought they passed on; and then a low exclamation escaped her lips as -she realized that her worst fears were stern facts. - -The horsemen were in earnest pursuit of her! - -The road now was more broken and her progress was slower. - -She was a good rider, but her horse was no match for those in pursuit. - -She had gone perhaps a couple of miles further when a loud shout -attracted her attention, and looking back she saw her pursuers in plain -sight! - -The foremost was waving something in the air, as if motioning for her -to stop. - -At first thought she was inclined to do so, but something in their -manner seemed to tell her that their presence boded her no good. - -Their shouts were like those of a maddened mob rather than the words of -friends. - -With her white face set despairingly toward home she swept wildly on. - -Her long hair broke from its confinement, to stream in the night air, -adding to the wildness of her appearance. - -Over the hills and through the valleys she flew, the clatter of her -enemies in pursuit growing plainer and nearer. - -Then shots were fired while the bullets flew uncomfortably near. - -But one thought was in her mind now. - -Could she reach home? - -Ever and anon she glanced wildly back, and every time her hopes sank -lower. - -“Hold up there if you value your life!” thundered the leader of the -horsemen. - -His words only served to make her urge her failing horse on to greater -exertions. - -The next moment her home burst into view. - -Notwithstanding the hour she saw a light at its windows. - -A murmured thanksgiving escaped her lips. - -“Almost there!” she exclaimed. - -A minute later she rode furiously into the yard. - -Reining up her foam-flecked horse in front of the door she sprang from -the saddle just as her grandfather appeared in the doorway with a light -in his hand. - -“What has happened?” he cried, excitedly. - -“I am pursued! Oh, save me!” she panted, falling exhausted on the -threshold. - -With a cry almost human the steed she had ridden staggered forward and -fell at the old man’s feet in the throes of death! - -At the same instant the horsemen dashed upon the scene. - -“What, ho! there!” cried the leader. “It is a long race that has no -end!” - -“What does this mean?” asked Colonel Morland, trembling like an aspen -leaf. - -“We are after Cavalry Curt! He has made a bold dash for freedom. Stand -aside, old man, if you value your life!” - -“No--no! you shall not harm her!” cried the old soldier, bending over -Mara, who was just opening her eyes. - -“Are you hurt, my child?” - -“No; but see they are coming. Back--back, every man of you! I am armed!” - -She had gained her feet and like a tigress at bay faced them. - -Some of the party had dismounted and were advancing. - -“Yes, keep back! keep back!” warned Colonel Morland with both arms -outstretched. - -“Great King! he is a woman!” exclaimed one of the horsemen, as he saw -Mara’s long hair falling down her neck and shoulders. - -“Woman or devil,” cried the leader, “seize her. She is Cavalry Curt; or -the one in league with him.” - -Mara was armed and she had so far recovered her self-possession as to -bid defiance to them. - -“She means business,” ejaculated the foremost of the would-be captors. - -“Fire and furies!” roared the chief, urging his horse forward to the -front of his men, “we----” - -But Mara’s ringing tone checked his speech. - -“Advance another step at the peril of your life.” - -“Traitors!” hissed the others, “your lives shall pay for this.” - -“Explain your errand,” said Colonel Morland, again speaking. “My doors -are open to the al----” - -“Old man, lie. By your side stands as great a traitor as you ever knew. -We want him or her as the case may be and we----” - -The sharp report of a rifle suddenly drowned his speech. - -With a low groan Colonel Morland sank to the floor. - -“You have killed him! You have killed him!” moaned Mara, falling upon -her knees beside him. - -The Confederate chief looked amazed. - -“Who fired that shot?” he inquired. - -No one answered. - -At that moment, too, a new actor appeared on the scene. - -It was the scout, Boyd Wyman, who, wounded, had remained at her home -while Mara had gone on her perilous mission to Dalton. - -He moved with the greatest difficulty, but succeeded in reaching the -doorway. - -“What have you done?” he cried, sharply. - -“It was a dastardly shot!” he went on as no one replied. - -Mara was weeping bitterly. - -“Who are you?” queried the chief. - -“Boyd Wyman; and I can vouch for these people’s loyalty even as I can -my own.” - -“It is Boyd Wyman!” averred one of the soldiers. “They said he was -wounded and stopping up here.” - -“Is the old man seriously hurt?” asked the leader, moving in his seat -uneasily. - -“Yes,” replied the scout; “he has received his death wound.” - -“I am sorry, for we meant him no harm. Who is that beside him?” - -“Mara Morland, his grand-daughter. She has just returned from Dalton -where she has been to bear dispatches for me, as I have got a chunk -of lead in my leg and cannot walk. But what means this piece of -unwarranted work? You have the old man’s life to answer for.” - -“We were after Cavalry Curt,” replied the other, doggedly. “He has -escaped, and that chap by the old man helped him to do it.” - -“You know better; but go your way and leave peaceful folks alone. You -have done mischief enough already.” - -“It ain’t come out just as I expected. Reckon though we’ll keep an -eye on this place. Sergeant Goodale, I will leave ten men here under -your charge as guards, see that no one leaves it. You will be held -accountable for every life here.” - -“Yes, captain. Reckon we shan’t sleep on our post.” - -“I can trust you. Boyd Wyman, will you go to Dalton with us?” - -“I couldn’t ride that distance to save my life. Even if I could, I feel -it my duty to stay here.” - -“Just as you choose.” - -Without more delay, after detailing ten of his followers to remain with -Sergeant Goodale, Captain Buck, with the rest of his party, headed -toward Dalton. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. BETRAYED! - - -Johnston in fortifying himself at Dalton had not overlooked the -possible need of an avenue of retreat or removal to some other position. - -Accordingly he had repaired the roads leading into the different -quarters of the surrounding country; and wherever his astute mind had -deemed it expedient he had opened new passages. - -This enabled him to move about with facility, divide or unite his -forces as he choose, and made his capture more difficult. - -In the whole history of the war we know of no instance where two -officers were so evenly and squarely pitted against each other as -far as individual characteristics were concerned as were Sherman and -Johnston. - -Either was as well prepared for the defeat of his plans as for their -success, nor did victory unduly elate him. - -Each had an eye to his surroundings and was continually calling into -acquisition the advantage offered by the surface of the country. - -The march to Reseca was performed with the ease and rapidity that -marked the Confederate commander’s entire campaign. - -Cavalry Curt, we remember, had actually entered the rebel ranks, and -leaving Mara Morland in her grief and hopeless condition we must, in -order to keep along with the occurrence of events, turn to narrate the -scout’s checkered fortunes. - -Warned of Sherman’s premeditated attack by McPherson upon Reseca under -cover of an assault in Buzzard Roost led by Thomas, and Schofield’s -march toward Dalton, Johnston had on the fifteenth of May ordered -Canty’s cavalry to that place. - -Soon after its arrival this skirmishing brigade had become engaged with -the advance columns of the Northern troops to be driven back. - -McPherson thus unexpectedly met by the foe, whom he had hoped to find -asleep, halted. - -Thus the two forces were looking and waiting for each other to move, -neither knowing the other’s strength, when on the evening of the ninth -three divisions of Johnston’s infantry marched to the succor of the -threatened town. - -The arrival of the re-inforcements was the signal for rejoicing, and -plans were quickly laid for more hostile movements. - -That the enemy’s position and actual resources as to numbers, armament, -etc., might be more definitely known a squad of six under one -Lieutenant Boggs was detailed to reconnoiter the field. - -Cavalry Curt to his infinite satisfaction was one of the scouts. - -Once outside the picket line the scouts moved cautiously, yet swiftly -forward, the sense of each man strained to catch the least sound or to -detect the slightest movement upon the night scene. - -The sky was overcast with a thin lining of clouds, so that it was quite -dark in the deeper forests. In a couple of hours the moon would rise to -dispel somewhat the gloom. - -As silently as so many shadows the little party threaded the dim aisle -of the valley lying on the west of the town. - -Not a word was spoken and nothing was heard to alarm them, until at -last they stood at the edge of a clearing of several acres in extent. - -Lieutenant Boggs motioning a halt, they paused under the shadows of the -trees. - -“I have an idea the Yanks are off to the right,” he said, speaking for -the first time. - -“More’n likely,” assented one of the others. - -Cavalry Curt started at the sound of the last speaker’s voice. He -was too well schooled in his self-possession, however, to betray any -surprise, though he improved the first opportunity to get a good, -square look at the man. - -He had recognized the tone as that of one whom he had at one time known. - -The countenance was that of the person. - -He had at one time belonged to Kearney’s cavalry, but had disappeared -very suddenly and was supposed to have been killed. - -Curt’s most natural conclusion was that he was acting a part as well as -himself. - -Though altered in appearance since their last meeting he felt certain -the other would recognize him as soon as he should get a fair view of -his face. - -Always careful to be on the safe side the spy resolved not to discover -his identity to the other, but to maintain a careful watch over himself. - -He could not help feeling that the man had deserted the Union cause. - -In that case his own position was a critical one. - -“Don’t believe but we had better go round the clearing,” declared -Lieutenant Boggs. “I kalkilate we have got to look mighty sharp, for we -are likely to run on the Yanks at any step. Foller me.” - -With this terse command he led the way through the forest, the others -following closely upon his heels in Indian fashion. - -They had gone perhaps a quarter of a mile in this way, when Lieutenant -Boggs paused abruptly. - -Bending his head forward in a listening attitude, after a minute’s -anxious wait, he said: - -“I though I heard some step. But I must have been mistaken. Isn’t that -a building over yonder on the swell?” - -“I should say so,” replied one of his companions. - -“I have a mind to go up there.” - -“My eye has been on that pine tree for some time. What a view one could -get from its top! Let’s go up a little nearer anyway.” - -They soon came in plain sight of a large, old-fashioned farm-house with -outbuildings adjoining, the whole looking deserted and sadly out of -repair. - -The buildings stood on the crest of quite an eminence of land. - -On one side reaching nearly down to the woods where they were concealed -extended a line of dense shrubbery. - -A short distance from the house, its dark, gigantic branches -overhanging the roof was a huge pine towering far above any other tree -in the vicinity. - -It was this tree Lieutenant Boggs wished to reach, knowing that from -its summit he could look down upon a wide circle of the surrounding -country. - -Without losing any time he swiftly, yet silently advanced toward the -forsaken buildings, being careful to keep under the cover of the trees. - -His followers closely imitated his example, and a few minutes later, -without having met with any renewed cause of alarm, they gained the -summit. - -Under the giant pine Lieutenant Boggs ordered a halt. - -“One of us had better climb the tree. If I mistake not, from its top -the camp of the Yanks will be in plain view. You are the man to do -it,” he concluded, turning to Cavalry Curt. - -The words in themselves were innocent enough, but they were no sooner -spoken than the scout instantly interpreted a double meaning. - -He saw Lieutenant Boggs and the deserter exchange significant glances, -and all at once it flashed through his mind that his identity had been -discovered! - -He had been betrayed! - -It was evidently a part of the plans of his foes to get him into the -tree, where he would be at their mercy. - -A hurried glance around showed that there was no way for him to escape. - -He must either climb the tree or refuse to obey the order. In the -latter case he would only hasten the crisis without bringing any -especial benefit to himself. - -He was in a tight place. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. TREED! - - -“Come, why don’t you obey orders?” growled Lieutenant Boggs, as Cavalry -Curt hesitated a moment. - -“Danged if I see just how I am going to get up to that first limb,” -muttered the scout. “I never was much of a climber,” and he started -around the tree, obviously to find a way to ascend its trunk, but -really to test the intentions of his companions. - -No sooner had he moved than their rifles were half-raised and they -seemed ready to spring upon him. He no longer doubted their purpose. -Neither did he delay further in his course of action. - -“We’ll show you a way to get your lubberly carcass up there if you -don’t try for yourself pretty lively,” exclaimed the lieutenant, -impatiently. - -“If some of you will just give me a boost I guess I can get up here,” -declared Curt. - -With the assistance of a couple of the others he was enabled to reach -the first branch when he slowly drew himself up until he had gained its -support. - -Glancing over his shoulder he saw that the squad had covered him with -their guns, and that Lieutenant Boggs was smiling triumphantly. - -Without seeming to notice their hostile movement, however, Cavalry Curt -continued his ascent of the pine. - -Feeling confident of their game the Confederates allowed him to go up -higher until his form began to fade from sight. - -“We can take him as he comes down,” said Boggs. “Look sharp for him, -boys.” - -This was spoken in an undertone which of course did not reach the -scout’s ears, though he knew well enough their intentions. - -Higher and higher he rapidly ascended the tree, until at last he was -near the top. - -Parting the thick branches he gazed out upon the surrounding country -scene for several miles in the clear starlight. Had it been daylight he -might have seen distinctly a wide panorama of scenery. - -As he had expected to do he gazed upon the tents of an encampment of -the Federal troops. He knew well enough it was McPherson’s corps lying -in wait, undecided as yet whether to move boldly upon Reseca or to -retreat. - -The forces were but a few miles away and fixing the direction in his -mind he began to look around him for some avenue of escape, knowing -that he had but a few minutes in which to act. - -Peering down through the matted branches he saw that the Confederates -were listlessly waiting his movements. At the least cause for alarm -they would be active enough, though evidently they felt certain of -their prey. - -As we have already told the pine stood near to the house, so near -in fact that Cavalry Curt had noticed that its branches touched the -building. - -Particularly were they thick together and long at a point objective to -the chamber windows. Here was where the scout hoped to escape. - -Without stopping to take more than a hasty survey from his lofty perch -Curt, leaving his slouched hat so it might be seen by those below, -cautiously began to descend, hugging closely to the tree. - -Swiftly yet silently he retraced his course until he stood on the -branch that, reaching around the corner of the dwelling, had boldly -pushed its way through one of the windows. - -Hearing nothing as yet from his enemies to alarm him, he glided out -along the branch concealed by the matted growth of boughs above and -below. - -“Helloa!” called out Lieutenant Boggs, cautiously, when he was about -midway in the passage, “what do you see?” - -Of course Curt made no reply--only quickened his progress knowing that -his time would soon be up. - -“I say where are you?” called out Boggs a little louder, as he listened -in vain for an answer to his first call. - -“Hang the fool! why don’t he speak!” muttered the officer. Then louder -than before he called out: - -“Are you going to keep us here all night? Come down at once.” - -At this moment Curt’s hand touched the window-sill, when with the -agility of a cat he noiselessly drew himself forward allowing the -branch to sway back to its normal position as gently as possible. - -Still the Confederate received no reply to his appeal and he began to -grow first uneasy, then furious. - -“He is clean, clear to the top,” declared one of his followers, “I can -just see his head between the branches. P’raps he don’t hear you, for -he don’t move.” - -“I’ll send a chunk of lead up there if he don’t stir pretty soon,” -growled Boggs. “Reckon that’ll fetch him.” - -The night seemed unusually quiet, and not a sound followed his words. - -Curt had gained the house and stood within its walls. - -“Look here, you infernal Yank!” called out Boggs louder than before, -“if you don’t come down we’ll riddle you with bullets! We have waited -long enough and its time for you to know that your game is up!” - -Of course he received no reply and he stamped the ground madly, -regardless of the danger he was courting, forgetting that he might have -enemies within hearing. - -“He don’t move,” whispered the soldier. “Shall I fire at him?” - -“Curses upon our stupidity, no. It would wake up the whole army of -Yanks. Let me speak to the dog once more!” - -Again he called out to the scout with, as might be expected, no better -result. - -“One of you must go up there,” said Lieutenant Boggs. “Who will do it?” - -Not one of the little group volunteered to do so. - -“He’s a desperate chap,” ventured one; “and as he’s above he’s going to -have us at a disadvantage. I don’t care to tackle him alone, I allow.” - -“Bah!” retorted Boggs, “you are a coward.” - -He shirked the undertaking himself, however. - -“Perhaps it would be safer for three to go up,” he said a minute later. -“Can the dog have mistrusted our plan?” - -“Hark! what was that?” exclaimed one of the soldiers as a loud crash -from within the house broke the stillness of the night. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. TURNING THE TABLES. - - -In a moment the little squad were on the alert. - -No sound, however, followed the crash which seemed like the concussion -of a falling body. - -“Some one is in the house!” whispered Boggs, whose stock of courage -never was great, was fast leaving him. - -“Let’s go in and see,” ventured one of the others with less fear. - -“We mustn’t leave the tree without a guard to see that the Yank does -not get off. Jones and Monkton, do you keep a close watch over that spy -while the rest of us explore the old building. Come on, boys; and mind -that you keep your eyes open.” - -With these words he led the way toward the open door. - -It was dark and still within. Not without many misgivings did -Lieutenant Boggs enter the deserted abode. Every footstep gave back a -loud, creaking noise and he fancied that all kinds of creatures were in -the place. A bat, started from its retreat by the nocturnal disturbers -of its peace, flew uncomfortably near to his head. - -He crossed the first apartment closely followed by the others, to enter -an adjoining room even darker than the first if that were possible. - -Unknown to them the eagle eyes of the scout were watching their -movements from the second floor. - -Alike unseen and unheard by either friend or foe another with catlike -steps was tracking the Confederates. - -Then as he crossed the threshold of the inner apartment the scout -caught sight of his tall, powerful form. He started with surprise for -even in the semi-darkness he had recognized the Wizard Scout! - -Here then was help he had little expected--an arm that was worth a -dozen ordinary men. - -Until then Curt had thought only of escape for himself. Finding that he -had an ally in the field, a bold, daring scheme entered his head. - -Lieutenant Boggs and his party, however, had come to a sudden halt. - -“Hist!” exclaimed he. “I heard something move in the corner yonder.” - -His followers quickly came to a standstill, when an oppressive silence -hung over the lonely scene. - -“Man or devil, come forth!” challenged Boggs, trying to appear calm -though he was trembling with fear. - -No reply was made by word or move. - -The Wizard Scout stood in the darkness grimly watching them. - -“’Twas nothing!” exclaimed the boldest of the squad. “The first sound -we heard was but the branches of the pine striking against the side of -the house. Let’s get out of this. We are losing valuable time. Hark! -Jones is calling for us.” - -“Yes; we have fooled here long enough,” assented Boggs. “Here seems to -be a door leading out at the end of the house. Let’s go out this way.” - -Glad to escape from the place, the Confederates hastily passed out into -the night. - -Had they looked back by the light streaming in through the door they -had opened they might have discovered the tall figure of Old Fatality -standing in the background, a smile upon his bronze visage. - -They left the door open. - -As soon as satisfied that they were beyond hearing Curt spoke in a low -tone to the mysterious scout who without looking up or betraying any -surprise motioned for him to descend the stairs. - -A minute later Curt stood beside him. - -“This is a glad meeting on my part,” whispered he. “I was wishing I had -some one to help me.” - -“I mistrusted it,” replied the unknown, “so I followed you up here. Do -you intend to capture the rebels?” - -“If possible.” - -“Good. Let’s get where we can see what they are doing now.” - -Noiselessly crossing the room they looked cautiously out upon the -handful of perplexed Confederates, who were grouped under the pine -discussing their next move. - -“We mustn’t lose that infernal spy,” declared Boggs. “Has he moved yet, -Jones?” - -“Nary a bit.” - -“Queer. Some of us’ll have to dislodge the fellow. Who of you’ll climb -up there?” - -“And get riddled for our pains!” growled one. - -“Bah! it’s got to be done,” said Boggs. “Strange the fool don’t know -enough to come down.” - -“I’ll go for one,” volunteered Jones. - -“I reckon I ain’t afeerd to go with you,” supplemented Bronson. - -“Nor me,” added another. - -“And me,” shouted a fourth. - -“Enough,” said Boggs. - -“While you four are dislodging the game, Sperry and myself will see -that he don’t get away. Where is he, Jones, anyway? Hang me if I don’t -believe he has got off already!” - -“No; he’s there yet,” affirmed Jones. “See, there’s his head just to -the right of that big limb with the crows’ nest boughs.” - -“Well, climb; we’ve lost time enough already.” - -“You had better keep your eye on him and the moment he moves warn us,” -said Jones. - -“Yes, cover him with your gun, Sperry; and at the first move shoot him.” - -This last was spoken loud enough for the fugitive to hear even were he -further away than was supposed. - -Nothing in shape of a reply was vouchsafed. - -“Hanged if I believe he’s there,” said Boggs. - -“Oh, we’ll show you in less’n no time. Come on, boys.” - -Without further delay Jones began the ascent of the tree, the others -following upon his heels. - -The smile upon the Wizard Scout’s grim visage broadened as he and Curt -watched the Confederates. - -“There’s one apiece for us!” he whispered. - -“And you may have old shoulder-straps,” added Curt. “Come, why wait -longer?” - -The four had gained the branches of the pine and were cautiously -ascending toward the supposed refuge of the scout. - -Lieutenant Boggs and his companion were intently watching--the first -the progress of his men, the other the motionless object in the top of -the tree which he fancied was the hiding fugitive. - -As silently as shadows the scouts crept upon the unsuspecting foe. - -Old Fatality was unarmed, as far as weapons of war were concerned, but -his long, talon-like fingers worked convulsively as if eager to clutch -the throat of his victim. - -The butts of a pair of revolvers protruded from the belt of Cavalry -Curt. - -In the midst of their anxious watch the Confederates felt themselves -seized in grasps of iron and in spite of their futile resistance they -were borne to the earth. - -Before either of them could cry out, a hand was placed over their -mouths and a low voice whispered in their ears the single word. - -“Surrender!” - -Meanwhile the four were cautiously approaching the top of the pine -wondering that their prey should keep so quiet. - -Then as they drew nearer and no form of man took shape among the -branches they began to anticipate the hoax played upon them. - -“No one is there,” whispered Jones, with a breath of relief. - -“He must be there somewhere!” - -“He ain’t. He’s got away somehow.” - -“Impossible.” - -They were soon satisfied, however, that such was the case. - -“A pretty go!” muttered the leader. “I see now, it was him we heard in -the building. Get down there lively for we may not be too late to get -him yet.” - -They saw two men under the tree as they had left them, and did not -dream they were others than Boggs and Sperry their companions, until -the clear tones of Curt called out: - -“Hold! the tables have turned and you are Union prisoners! Move at the -peril of your lives. Our rifles cover you!” - -Never were four men more completely surprised. However, they were -fairly caught. - -Finding they could do no better they descended one by one to surrender -themselves as prisoners of war. - -Lieutenant Boggs swore at a fearful rate until threatened with a gag -when he relapsed into silence. - -When Curt had securely bound the last of the squad, the scouts resolved -to march with them to the camp of McPherson. - -Who can blame them if they felt a bit proud of their capture, while the -Confederates gnashed their teeth with rage, inwardly vowing that they -would get even with their doughty captors. - -Leaving the scouts to reach the Northern lines with their prize in -safety, we must turn to follow the fortunes of others of our actors in -this drama of war. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. WAS IT TREASON? - - -Sad, anxious days to Mara Morland followed her return from that -eventful trip to Dalton. - -Her grandfather sank fast from the wound he received that morning and -it soon became evident, even to Mara, that he had but a few hours to -live. - -“I do not mind dying,” he said. “I have lived far beyond the age of -man, and I have felt I must soon be called home. It is for you that I -fear, my child. I dare not contemplate your fate.” - -She tried to brighten his spirits with words of cheer. - -He slowly shook his head. - -“I see but one course for you to follow,” he said finally. “Harry -cannot offer you any protection, and to remain here would be rashness. -I see well enough now that the old place will be devastated ere long. -Ay, I had rather die than to live to see that. And it is surely coming. -Mara, are you listening, child?” - -“Yes, grandpa.” - -“You had better go to your Cousin Randolph’s in Woodsville. You will be -safer there. I wish Harry was here. Brave boy, I never shall see him -any more. Tell him that I thought of him in my last moments.” - -He said but little more after this and the hue of life faded fast from -his countenance. - -He had lain a long time motionless, when there was a nervous twitching -at his mouth and his closed eyes opened. - -“Mara, where are you?” - -“Here, dear grandpa.” - -“See, his brow lightens with the touch of death,” whispered one of the -guards to the others. - -“Mara,” cried the dying man, huskily, “I have had such a vision, and -things appeared so different. I see our mistake now. The flag of the -South will yet trail in the dust and the stars and stripes in brighter -luster than at Yorktown or New Orleans will wave over the country -three times saved. It is right. ’Twas the same starry banner that my -father fought for under the gallant Sumpter, and which I followed under -General Jackson at New Orleans. Long may it wave, to glory undim----” - -With the last word quivering upon his lips, his upraised arm fell, and -his voice died to a low gasp. A minute later his spirit had fled from -the scenes of war. - -The guards had looked upon each other with wonder as they listened to -the words that were freighted with so much of patriotism, so much of -evil to at least one of the listeners--the innocent maiden whose fair -countenance was wet with tears. - -“Treason! treason!” they cried as in one voice. “We ought to have hung -the old traitor! Let’s make an example of----” - -“Hold!” exclaimed Boyd Wyman from his couch in an adjoining apartment. -“Do nothing rash. They were but the ravings of a wandering mind. Let -him rest in death. For the girl’s sake be merciful.” - -The scout’s words were not in vain. - -The soldiers curbed their anger and the dead was left in peace. - -The sight of the poor girl’s grief moved them to sympathy and kindness. - -Under their directions the body was prepared for a decent burial and -finally, a day later, was borne to its last rest. - -A few of the many slaves once owned by Colonel Morland were left at the -old plantation and these shed genuine tears of sorrow. - -He had been a kind master. - -Two of the negroes called Pete and Dinah were very thoughtful to Mara -in her bereavement. - -Boyd Wyman’s wounds were growing more painful. Inflammation had set in -so that his case was becoming critical. - -Mara was a brave girl and controlling her grief to a wonderful extent -she did all in her power for the wounded scout. - -The shifting scenes of war move rapidly. - -A few hours after the simple funeral of Colonel Morland, two horsemen -appeared in front of the house. - -The leader was Lieutenant Logan. - -“I must see the prisoner,” he said. “I bear an order and a message from -General B----.” - -The sight of the gallant soldier was a relief to Mara. - -Perhaps he came with good tidings. - -But as he stopped to speak to one of the guards and listened to his -speech, the officer’s face grew dark. - -He came into the house a minute later. - -“I am pained to find you in such a sorry plight, Miss Morland,” was his -greeting. - -“Only say that you have come to end this terrible farce and I will not -complain,” she replied. - -“I have,” he said, quickly. “I have interceded for you and at the first -opportunity have come to offer you your release.” - -She failed to understand his meaning. - -“You have been ordered to be brought to Dalton upon the charge of -treason.” - -“Treason;” she repeated, with quivering lips, “who dares to accuse me -of that?” - -“Alas! Mara, circumstances are against you. Your grandfather’s dying -words have a terrible signification. I fear it will go hard with you.” - -“But Harry will intercede for me. I will go to him.” - -“Stop, Mara; that is the worst feature in your case. I am sorry to tell -you, but the truth must be told.” - -“What is it?” she cried, catching him by the arm as he paused. - -He turned aside to escape her piercing gaze. - -“Must I tell you,” he stammered. “Harry has been dishonored. His -commission has been taken from him and he has returned to the ranks -under probation.” - -“Harry in dishonor!” she cried, clasping her hands. “You cannot mean -it, Lieutenant Logan.” - -“It was a hard blow for me, Mara, for Harry is a fine fellow, and his -disgrace came like a thunder-clap. Upon his return from Buzzard’s Roost -Gap he was arrested for being accessory to the escape of Cavalry Curt -and----” - -“It is not so!” she cried, wildly. “I will go to Dalton at once. I can -and will save him.” - -“Nay, Mara, you let your grief run away with your reason. He is safe -at present.” - -“But I must see him.” - -“You do not realize how impossible that is, could you do him any good. -He has gone to Reseca with a body of troops ordered there to its -defense.” - -“Gone to Reseca,” she repeated; “and as a common soldier--ay, more than -that, a soldier in disgrace!” - -“Be brave, Mara, and it shall end well. Your own welfare claims our -attention now. You must leave this place at once if you value your -life.” - -“And yet you just said that I could not.” - -He had turned away to pause at one of the windows--turned away -purposely that he might speak without being heard by Boyd Wyman. - -Mechanically she followed him. - -“Mara,” he said, in a low tone, “I have come up here on a trumped up -errand that I might see you. I have come to save you, even at great -risk to myself, if you will accept my terms.” - -“Explain yourself, Lieutenant Logan.” - -“Do you not understand how much I love you? I cannot tell you----” - -She stopped him with a wave of her hand. - -“If you have nothing else to say, Lieutenant Logan, this interview -might as well come to an end. I respect you as a friend, but I do not -love you.” - -“But you would learn to, Mara. Promise to be my wife as soon as this -war is over, and I will have you taken to a place of safety this very -night. Do you promise?” he asked, earnestly. - -“If you really loved me you would do so without exacting a promise that -you know would break my heart.” - -“You do not quite understand me. Were it not for that Yankee----” - -Something in her looks caused him to stop. - -“You refuse?” he continued with a look that she would never forget. - -“Yes; I would not purchase life upon such conditions.” - -“I am sorry. I hope you will never regret this course. I must go now. -Do not blame me when the worst comes. If you change your mind I will -fly to your rescue the moment you send for me. I am not so bad at heart -as you think, only I had rather die than yield to a Yankee. Good-day.” - -With a few parting words of encouragement to Boyd Wyman he went out of -the house and mounting his horse rode away. - -“Did he give you any reason for hope?” asked Wyman, as Mara returned to -the side of his couch. - -“None.” - -“It is infamous!” exclaimed the scout, fiercely. “He told you of your -brother?” - -“Yes.” - -“Poor boy; in his present state of mind, I tremble for his safety.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. A FRIEND IN NEED. - - -A little before sunset on the same afternoon as Mara was watching -by the side of the wounded scout, Black Dinah entered the room and -glancing cautiously around went up to her. - -“Please, missus, come inter t’other room,” she whispered. “You’re -wanted bad.” - -The speaker was greatly agitated, and she rolled her eyes and pulled -her apron and clasped and unclasped her hands in a way that told of -more than she dared or could tell. - -Mara hesitated. - -“Be spry ’fore sojers see.” - -Wondering what she could want, Mara followed her out of the room. - -As they were allowed to go about the lower story of the house at -liberty, the soldiers if they saw them thought nothing strange. - -Dinah’s teeth chattered and her eyes showed their whites in a startling -way. - -Mara came near uttering a cry of surprise as she entered the apartment -to find a stranger standing in the center of the floor. - -His hand was upraised enjoining silence. - -“I am a friend,” he said quickly, in a low tone. - -“’Fore de lawd, he mus’ be a sperit,” chattered Dinah, “No immortal man -c’u’d a got hyer and not a bref uv a soul to see ’im--” - -“Hush!” warned the man. - -He was of middle age, medium in stature, and with a well-knit frame. - -His cleanly shaven face was frank and handsome. Perhaps his eyes were a -bit too bright, but on the whole he seemed every inch a gentleman. - -He was in citizen’s dress and as far as was seen he carried no weapons. - -All this Mara saw at a glance. - -“Are we likely to be interrupted by the soldiers?” - -“Not for a short time,” she replied, imitating his tone. “What is your -errand, sir?” - -“I will state it briefly,” he answered. “A body of horsemen are even -now on the road from Dalton to effect your capture. General Johnston -is calling in all of the skirmishing parties he has sent out so as to -concentrate his forces as much as possible. He cannot afford to keep -any soldiers here longer. You will be taken to Dalton, or what I fear -most, will be shot as a traitor as soon as you are dragged from the -house. I have come to save you.” - -All this was spoken so rapidly that Mara could only listen in mute -amazement. - -“Who are you?” she faltered at last. - -“Don’t be surprised at the mention of my name,” he replied. “I am the -Wizard Scout.” - -In spite of his warning she could hardly suppress a cry of amazement. - -“I knew you would be surprised,” he declared. “I was in disguise when -you saw me before, as I am now. But that makes me none the less your -friend. I know of all that has transpired since we parted and knowing -your peril, I have come to help you escape.” - -“How?” she asked. - -“By flight. We must lose no time either. The troops will be here in -half an hour. If you have no place you can go to, I will guide you to a -friend of mine.” - -“I don’t know what to do,” she declared. “All this is so sudden and -terrible. I want to go to Dalton to see Harry.” - -“But he is not there. He went to Reseca. To give you more confidence -in what I promise to do here is a line I have brought you from Cavalry -Curt.” - -As he spoke he unscrewed one of his buttons from his coat to produce a -small piece of paper disclosed beneath its cap. - -Mara took the missive with a trembling hand. - -She read: - - “DEAR MISS MORLAND:--Learning of your danger I am anxious to lend you - my assistance toward escape. But it is impossible for me to do so. - Thus I send my friend whom you have met before, knowing that he can - do much better than I. You can trust him. I escaped safely from the - enemy, thanks to the friend who will help you now. - - “Respectfully, - “C. REMINGTON.” - -“I will do as you think best,” she said, handing him back the paper. - -“Then get ready to leave as soon as possible. Have you any place you -wish to go?” - -“Yes, to my cousins in Woodsville.” - -“Very well. But perhaps you had better go back now as your absence may -create a suspicion. Boyd Wyman is still here?” - -“Yes.” - -“It may be best to speak to him. He is to be trusted in your behalf. -While you are gone I will plan a way of escape. Return soon.” - -As Mara returned to the side of Wyman’s couch she saw by the actions -of the soldiers that she had appeared none too soon to allay their -suspicions. - -Whatever the scout may have thought he remained quiet. - -As she gazed upon his pale face bearing so plainly the evidence of his -suffering it occurred to her as an act of selfishness and cowardice to -leave him. - -Nevertheless as soon as the soldiers turned away, she whispered to him -of the presence of the strange man in the adjoining room and what he -had told her. - -If Boyd Wyman was surprised he did not show it by look or word. - -“The Wizard Scout, you say?” - -“Yes; but how could he have got here?” - -“Nothing seems impossible with him. You could not have had a better -friend come to your rescue. I am glad he has come. Trust in him and you -will have little to fear. You had better get ready at once.” - -“But what will become of you?” - -“Oh, I shall get along all right,” he replied, carelessly. “Remember -I shall be among friends. I wish you god-speed in your escape. If we -never meet again, remember Boyd Wyman will never forget your kindness -to him. There, you had better return to your friend as there is no time -to be lost.” - -Not without some reluctance Mara returned to the Wizard Scout. - -“I am glad you have come,” he said. “I can think of but one way to -escape. You will have to personate the colored servant who was here. I -suppose she is allowed to go about the house at will and even out of -it.” - -“Oh, yes. She goes to the spring for water often.” - -“I mistrusted as much. Now isn’t there one I can personate?” - -After a moment’s thought she answered as her countenance brightened: - -“Oh, yes; there is Pete. And they are together much.” - -“They are just the ones then. We shall not have to separate. If you -can manage to get some of their clothing I will arrange the rest. I am -almost prepared for such a disguise. I was a darky all day yesterday. -The day before an Irishman.” - -Mara went out to find Dinah. - -She was in the kitchen and alone. - -A few words explained all to the faithful servant, at least, all that -was necessary to tell. - -“’Deed I will, missus.” - -“And you must keep out of sight as soon as I tell you to.” - -“’Deed I will, missus. Is it fer yees to git away from ’em whurrible -sojers?” - -“Yes, Dinah. Be quick about it, only don’t let them see you.” - -“’Deed I won’t, missus.” - -Mara returned to the wounded scout while Dinah was getting the garments. - -“Has he hit upon a plan?” he asked. - -Then as she explained the plan he nodded his head in approval. - -“It is best.” - -Mara was too anxious to remain idle long, so she soon returned to the -kitchen. - -Dinah seemed greatly agitated. - -“What is it, Dinah?” - -“’Fore the lawd, it am s’prisin’! Fust dar ain’t no man; den I’se fin’ -white, and jess now w’en I tote dem fings dar what s’pose I find. A man -black--yah, black as Pete. Shure nuff----” - -“Hush! some one is coming.” - -In a louder tone: - -“Aren’t those cakes about done, Dinah--You seem slower than ever.” - -“Deed, I is,” muttered Dinah, turning to the neglected cakes. - -One of the guards entered the room, but seeing nothing suspicious he -returned to the front of the house. - -Perhaps they were expecting the troops from Dalton for they were -anxiously watching the road that wound like a huge serpent in that -direction. - -Not a second of the next five minutes was lost by our friends. - -At the end of that time had one looked for Mara Morland and the Wizard -Scout he would have found them transformed into identical counterparts -of Pete and Dinah. - -Mara had bidden farewell to Boyd Wyman, and had told Pete and Dinah to -keep out of sight. - -“I think we are ready to start now,” said the Wizard Scout, lowly. “Be -brave and do not lose your self-possession let come what may. Follow -me.” - -Reaching the kitchen they saw one of the soldiers in the next room. - -As unconcernedly, however, as if their errand was a real one the scout -took up a couple of buckets and handed one to Mara. - -“Reckon we’se go to der sp’ing fer watah, honey,” he said in imitation -of Pete’s maudlin tone. - -As he opened the door a body of horsemen came in sight of the house, -riding at a smart canter. - -“Run long wid yer, old gal.” - -Under his breath he said: - -“I am afraid we are too late!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. THE FUGITIVES’ FLIGHT. - - -“Hold on there, you black imps; where are you going?” thundered the -soldier. - -Mara’s heart almost stopped its beating. - -“To de sp’ing, massa,” answered the scout, coolly. - -“Seems to me you go mighty often.” - -“De watah done git roominated wid bad taste, massa. ’Sides Dinah done -spill sum un dat las bucket.” - -“Go along; and see that you don’t waste any time.” - -“Yas, massa.” - -As the scout and Mara started down the well-worn path to the spring -from the back door, the horsemen reined up in front of the house. - -“Ho there, Sergeant Howe, we have come for that troublesome bird of -yours,” cried the foremost. - -“None too soon to suit me either, Lieutenant Bradley. You will find her -near at hand. She is with Wyman.” - -But they found the wounded scout alone. - -“Miss Morland was here a few minutes ago,” said Wyman. “She will -probably be back directly. You might as well wait here.” - -“Precious little time have we to wait,” growled the officer. - -He did wait, however, a few minutes, time that Boyd Wyman knew well was -precious to the fugitives. - -“This won’t do!” exclaimed the other, soon losing his patience. “Find -her, men--at once.” - -A search for the missing maiden was instantly begun, but to the -surprise and chagrin of the soldiers could not be found. - -“She can’t be far away,” reiterated Wyman. “She must have hidden -somewhere in the house when she saw you coming.” - -“By heavens! we will show her the fate of traitors inside of five -minutes!” vociferated the anxious officer. “Summon the servants.” - -The chattering slaves were quickly found huddling together in a scared -group in the kitchen. - -Pete and Dinah according to instructions had come out of their -hiding-places soon after the fugitives had left. - -They were faithful to their promise, and the enraged Confederates could -learn no trace of their missing prey. - -“I know of one way to drive her from her retreat,” said the leader, -grimly. “I will do it, now.” - -“Here, men, some of you, Lake and Woodstaff, bear Boyd Wyman out of -the house. Sergeant Howe, see that the house is surrounded and no one -escapes. I will show that girl a trick she little dreams of.” - -While his orders were being carried out, Lieutenant Bradley, with his -own hands, set fire to the house. - -“That will drive her out,” he muttered, with a look of satisfaction. - -Boyd Wyman uttered a groan as he witnessed the fiendish work. - -We can well anticipate the result. - -“Curse her!” yelled the Confederate as he looked in vain for the -appearance of his victim; “she is spunky though!” - -Then as the flames began to decrease and the walls fell he turned away. - -“The fire has saved us further trouble. Come, men, follow me back to -Dalton.” - -Meanwhile the scout and Mara were pursuing their flight. - -The path to the spring wound down the hill, and after going a few rods -the view from the house was obscured by a thick growth of bushes. - -“We have no further use for these buckets and little need we should -encumber ourselves with them longer,” he said. “We must get as far as -possible from here before our flight is discovered.” - -Mara followed him in silence. - -Darkness was fast coming on which promised to favor them in their -escape. - -The country was broken and their progress was necessarily slow, however. - -They heard the cries of their enemies once, but beyond that nothing was -seen or known of them, until they had gone a mile or more, when looking -back Mara uttered a low exclamation. - -Her companion turned quickly in alarm when he saw a bright light in the -distance. - -“They have set fire to the house!” she exclaimed in a tremulous voice, -as the night scene was lit with a brighter glare, while the flames -leaped higher and higher. - -“See! I can distinguish the forms of some of them by the light of the -flames!” she continued clutching him by his arm. “Oh, my poor home.” - -“Do not despair,” he said, encouragingly, as they watched the fire. -“That tells that they are not following us. But we must not lose any -time. Come, we must go on.” - -Reluctantly she turned from the sight of the burning building. - -“Homeless and a fugitive!” she murmured. “God have pity on me now.” - -“Do not lose courage,” he said. “Remember you are not alone in your -grief. All that I held dear sleeps to-night beneath the Confederate -sod.” - -Then as if wishing to change the subject he said, pointing down the -valley: - -“That must be our course. On our right is Dalton, on our left, -Buzzard’s Gap. We must look sharp or we shall run into the clutches of -foes before we know it. These disguises must be cast off at the first -possible moment. Now that they have served their purpose we could not -be in more dangerous costumes, for were we discovered we should be -mistaken for escaping slaves and shot down without a word.” - -These remarks were spoken in a low tone for no one knew better than the -speaker the peril that lay before them. - -In the very heart of the enemy’s country, overrun by their troops, -escape seemed well-nigh impossible. - -The scout spoke but a few times for the next hour and nothing occurred -to check their flight. - -Coming to a stream he proposed that they should wash the black from -their faces and hands and discard the garbs that they wore over their -own. - -This was but a short undertaking and Mara soon appeared as herself glad -to escape the uncomfortable disguise. - -To her surprise her companion produced a wig and a set of long, white -whiskers. Then with a few deft touches he was transformed into an old -man. - -“A staff, and my disguise is complete, is it not?” he said with a -smile. “This is a favorite character of mine. Remember now you are to -pass as my daughter.” - -“I do not wonder they call you the Wizard Scout,” declared Mara, as she -looked on with amazement. - -“You will wonder less when you know me better, my darter,” assuming the -role of his new relationship. “But I must put these old duds out of the -way.” - -“Hark!” she exclaimed, “what is that firing?” as the sound of firearms -suddenly awoke the stillness of the night. - -“The two armies are having a battle. From the direction I should judge -that Schofield has attacked the flank of Johnston’s army. Ah, he will -give the graycoats a hard tussle.” - -“I think you are a Northern man.” - -“My sympathies are for the Union, and while I can lift this good right -arm of mine I will stand in its defense.” - -He spoke with great earnestness. - -“You forget that I am a rebel.” - -“No more than you did when you saved the life of Cavalry Curt. But have -done with talk. I believe I hear a body of horsemen coming this way.” - -“And they are coming at a smart canter,” said Mara, as the sounds grew -rapidly plainer. - -“It must be a skirmishing squad of Johnston’s. We can’t be far from the -road.” - -“Do you think they will see us?” she asked. - -“Not if we can help it. We must look round for a hiding-place though. -Ha! I believe yonder thicket is just the place for us. Let’s see about -it.” - -Upon reaching the spot they found that a huge tree had been uptorn -there, its matted roots, filled in with earth and overgrown with a -thick mass of bushes forming as impenetrable a cover as could be -desired. - -“Just the place for us,” declared the scout, “and we are near enough, -so that we can see the horsemen as they pass. Crawl in and make -yourself as comfortable as possible,” parting the bushes so that she -had little difficulty in gaining the retreat. - -“No one would mistrust you were there,” he said, as he allowed the -undergrowth to resume its natural position, “I can’t see you, I swear.” - -“But aren’t you going to remain?” she asked uneasily, as he seemed -about to move away. - -“No; keep perfectly still until I return, and above all don’t get -alarmed. I am going out to salute ’em fellows. They are almost here, -too, I’m going to play on ’em. Just to keep up my reputation.” - -Before Mara could speak he stepped boldly out from the growth into the -path of the oncoming horsemen. - -Parting the bushes so that she had a good view of the scene Mara saw -the troops, half a dozen in number, dash into sight. - -To her dismay the Wizard Scout went coolly forward to meet them, crying -as they swept down upon him. - -“Hold up there, boys! would ye ride right over an old man?” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. A BOLD GAME. - - -“Fire and furies!” cried the leader startled by the sudden appearance -of the man, “whom have we here? Whoa, Ned!” - -“Only me,” replied the strange scout, meekly. “Don’t ride over me, -Mister Sojers, and I’ll get out of the way as soon as I can.” - -“Who are you? and where do you come from, old man, at this hour?” - -“My name is Moses, sir! am going to my darter’s, Ann Mayhesters. P’raps -you know Ann Mayhesters?” - -“Hang you and Ann Mayhesters. Get out of my way, old graybeard, or I’ll -ride right over you.” - -“Don’t, Mister Sojers; have respect for these gray hairs. Whither do -you ride so fast?” - -“Ride over the old fool,” exclaimed one of the horsemen. - -“Say, old man, have you seen any one on your journey to-night?” - -“Seen any one, my young friend, truly I have not, barring one and I -would hardly think of naming her.” - -“Then you have seen one--a woman, too!” cried the other, eagerly. - -“Boys, she is our game.” - -“Ten to one!” - -“Where did you see her, old covey?” - -“Oh, way back here, heap of a ways. She hid when I kem ’long, and I -didn’t let on thet I see’d her.” - -“She’s the one. Old man, we are sent out to capture that woman. She’s a -spy. Can you show us where you saw her?” - -“She a spy,” grasped the disguised scout. - -“Can you guide us to her?” asked the officer, growing impatient. - -“Can I? O’ coorse I can. The way is as plain as the road to Ann -Mayhesters’. You----” - -“Then lead us to her if you value your life, old man.” - -“Yes--yes!” mumbled the other; “only it’s a heap of a road, and I’m not -very fast. Can’t I jess get a lift ’hind one of you fellers?” - -“Let him get up behind you, Landaff.” - -With what assistance the other could lend, the scout climbed up on the -horse’s back behind the rider. - -“Don’t go fast,” he muttered, “or you’ll throw me off. Keep straight -ahead till I tell you to stop.” - -Mara was an anxious spectator of this scene, and as she saw the little -cavalcade ride away bearing in its midst the scout she was at a loss to -account for his singular course. - -She could not think that it was to work her harm. What then could be -his object? - -The road followed by the horsemen led toward the mountains. - -They rode on for a mile or more before any one spoke, when the leader -reined up. - -“How much further, old man, must we go?” - -“I see’d her jess about thet turn. But she were going up the valler.” - -“Then we shall soon overtake her; that is, if she was on foot.” - -“She were.” - -“Good; come on.” - -After going half a mile further the old man called upon them to stop. - -They were now in the heart of a wild country. - -The mountains loomed up in the distance ahead. - -On either hand was a rough, broken ravine or gulch running back to the -base of the heights. - -“Hark! I thought mebbe I herd her holler. But my old ears ain’t to be -depended on like they were once. Ann Mayhesters, my----” - -“Shut up your gabble, old fool!” commanded the leader. “I thought I -heard some one cry out.” - -In the silence that followed a faint cry was borne to their ears from -the fastness of the region to their right. - -It was beyond dispute a woman’s voice. - -“It is her!” exclaimed the old man, excitedly. “She has fell among the -rocks.” - -“It must be she,” declared the officer. “But how in the name of Jackson -can we get our horses up the gully? We shall have to leave them.” - -“So I reckon,” affirmed the scout. “And you’ll have to leave me, too. -Hark! there is her cry agin.” - -There was no mistaking the fact. - -“You remain here with the horses, Landaff, while the rest of us go up -and capture her. We shan’t be gone long.” - -Quickly suiting action to words they dismounted and started up the -ravine. - -The cry was heard again. - -The Wizard Scout calmly watched the departure of the five men until -they disappeared from sight. - -He was still sitting on the horse behind the one called Landaff. - -Suddenly the latter felt a vise-like grip upon his mouth, and the next -instant both were struggling on the ground. - -“Don’t move if you value your life!” hissed the scout in his ear. “I am -going to bind you but will not harm you if you are quiet.” - -It was but a few minutes’ work to carry out his design, and he not only -bound but gagged the man. - -“I’ll risk you now,” he said. - -The other rolled his eyes and glared furiously upon him, but was -powerless to help himself. - -“Now I’ll just do a little confisticating,” declared Old Fatality, as -he prepared to take away a couple of the horses. “As I don’t want you -to tell any stories on me I’ll take you along, colonel. Yes, by goll, -and I’ll take all of the horses.” - -Seizing Landaff in his arms as if he had been a child the scout placed -him upon the back of one of the horses. - -He then mounted one of the others, and prepared to lead the rest. - -Glancing up the ravine to see that the Confederates were nowhere in -sight, he started down the road. - -Walking the animals until beyond the hearing of his enemies the scout -then increased their speed. - -A few minutes later he stopped in front of the place where he had left -Mara. - -She was about to leave her hiding-place feeling certain that he had -deserted her. Her joy at his return was very great as may be well -imagined. - -Before she could speak the scout exclaimed: - -“Quick! mount one of the horses and foller me. I hev left the graycoats -in the lurch up yonder--all but this one and he’s for company. Come on!” - -Scarcely waiting for Mara to gain a seat upon the nearest horse the -Wizard Scout rode ahead. - -The captive Confederate was beside him grimly biding the time when he -could give his vigilant foe the slip. - -The loose horses were kept along for a time when one by one Old -Fatality let them go, not caring to be bothered with them longer than -he could safely avoid. - -Nothing was said by either of the party, each being occupied with -conflicting emotions. - -To Mara the scenes of the past few days seemed like a horrible dream. - -In the midst of her anxious thoughts the Wizard Scout suddenly reined -up his foam-flecked horse. His long, gray locks streaming in the night -breeze, his deep-set orbs of vision burning like coals of fire, he -presented a wild appearance. - -“Hark!” he said, sharply, “I hear the hoof-strokes of a body of -horsemen coming this way. They must be grays and we are sure to meet -them!” - - - - -CHAPTER XX. THE MEETING OF FRIENDS. - - -Mara uttered a low cry at the scout’s startling announcement. - -“Cannot we go some other way and thus escape them?” she asked, -tremulously. - -“Not without turning back,” replied the Wizard Scout, “and that would -cost us hours of valuable time without throwing them off our track. No; -I see no better course for us than to keep on. Ha! I have a plan.” - -Landaff, whose countenance had brightened at the sound of the -approaching horsemen, turned to his captor with a look of surprise. - -“I should like to know what all this means, old man,” he exclaimed, -speaking for the first time. - -“Hey,” said the scout, “ye see my darter and I hev been turned outen -house and home by ’em cursed grays. We ain’t got nowhar to lay an ear. -So ye see we kem over the mountins to go to my t’other darter’s, Ann -Mayhesters. Mebbe ye know her. She’s a rebel. So’s my darter, Mollie, -here. Their ma was a Southern woman. I am a Union man twenty-four hours -every day and not afeerd o’ Stonewall Jackson an’ all his army. Mebbe -my mulishness got us inter this difficulty. ’Tain’t fer myself I keer. -It’s the gal.” - -“But ye’re trapped at last, old man,” retorted the Confederate, smiling -triumphantly. - -“I’m not so sure o’ thet.” - -“But those troops coming beyond no doubt belong to Johnston’s forces. -Hark! they will soon be here. You had better free me, old man. It is -for your interest.” - -“That’s just what I’m going to do. But afore I set in I’m going to lay -down a bit a law. Ye see thet shooter, man; it is loaded to kill. An’ -the lead it carries is fer you unless you do just as I tell you. I -don’t look like a man who eats his words, do I? Wal, I’m goin’ to set -you free. Then I want you to ride forward with us just as if you were -doing it willingly. If the party are a Northern squad, I’ll make it -all right with them. If they are grays, as I expect, you are to tell -them that you are escorting the gal and I to our relative’s in Macon, -an’ that we are true blue--I mean in this case gray. Remember I shall -watch your every movement and if you dare to betray me by word or sign -I’ll shoot you at the moment. My hand will be on this weapon all of the -time. Do you understand?” - -The man winced but did not offer to speak. - -“To prove to you that I will do as I say, I will tell you that I am Old -Fatality, the Wizard Scout!” - -A groan from the other told that the mention of that dreaded name was -not without its effect. - -By this time the clatter of horses’ hoofs was near at hand, and without -further delay the scout freed the captive. - -“Don’t forget my warning!” he hissed in the trembling wretch’s ear. -“Come, ride forward and do as I have told you to the letter.” - -Without daring to disobey, while hoping that fortune would turn in his -favor, the Confederate rode ahead a little in advance of his captor, -whose eagle eyes never for an instant left him. - -Mara followed a little behind them. - -By this time the oncoming cavalcade was near at hand, and a minute -later it dashed into sight. - -We need not say that they were an anxious trio, though outwardly the -Wizard Scout appeared as calm as if expecting to meet friends. - -As the horsemen drew nearer, his countenance lightened and then he -said, half aloud: - -“It is he! we are saved.” - -Mara heard the words and she supplemented them with a cry of joy. - -At the head of the approaching squad she recognized the form of her -lover, Cavalry Curt! - -He seemed scarcely less surprised than they and his pleasure was as -great. - -“You have escaped in safety,” she said, as he clasped Mara’s hand. - -“Yes; though it has been a fearful ordeal.” - -“Well, have courage now, for the worst of your journey is over I think. -You are going to your relatives to stop I suppose?” - -“Yes; poor grandpa is no more. And Harry! can you tell me ought of him?” - -“Only that he was alive and well yesterday. Please bear no unnecessary -alarm on his account. And as you shall lose little in distance we will -keep you company ten miles or so on your journey.” - -Mara murmured her thanks. - -“Whom have you here,” asked Curt of the Wizard Scout, pointing to -Landaff. - -“One of our graycoat friends,” replied the other. “And as he seems a -little uneasy, mebbe we had better secure him.” - -Landaff had waited for an opportunity to escape but his captor had been -too vigilant for him to make the venture. - -In a few minutes the united parties were moving on their journey. - -Curt rode beside Mara to give her a succinct account of his escape -from Dalton and the succeeding events, while she told of all which had -befallen her, and in an unguarded moment dropped a word which apprized -him as to who his rescuer had been. - -“So you risked your life for me,” he said, tenderly. “How can I pay you -for all you have done?” - -“I feel amply paid to know that you are safe.” - -The naive confession sent a thrill of joy to his heart. - -But the time had come for them to part again and he held her hand which -trembled in his while he saw the tear-drops glisten in her eyes. He -knew there were several in his own. - -“Have courage, dearest,” he whispered. “The war will soon be over and -then I will come to you, loving and trusting.” - -She tried to speak in vain, but when his lips pressed hers they felt -the thrill of love’s sweet kiss. - -“Till we meet again, darling, be of good cheer.” - -“Be careful of yourself, for my sake; and remember me to Harry.” - - * * * * * - -[Kind readers we will bid you adieu for a short time, when we will -continue this thrilling story under the title of “Under Two Flags,” -and will follow the fortunes of all the characters through the various -scenes through which they passed. The sequel to “Cavalry Curt” will -be as interesting and as full of adventure as this has been. Harry -Morland, Cavalry Curt, Mara and the Wizard Scout will be followed to -the end of the war. Don’t fail to buy this; you will be well pleased -with the ending.--ED.] - -THE END. - - * * * * * - -ANY BOY - -Sending us the names and addresses of TEN of his companions, we will in -return send 32 PAGES of the best reading matter. - - GEM PUBLISHING CO. - 57 Rose St., New York. - -P.S. Send 2 cent stamp for postage. - - * * * * * - -THE GEM LIBRARY. - -IF YOU SEND FOR - -Ted, the Bantam Detective, - -A RATTLING STORY OF - -NEW YORK CITY, - -YOU WILL BE PLEASED WITH IT. - -THE GEM LIBRARY - -IS THE BEST FIVE CENT LIBRARY - -IN THE MARKET. - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - -p. 17: Missing word(s) in the original text (to the [missing word(s)] -al----) - -p. 17: Missing word(s) in the original text (Old man, [missing word(s)] -lie.) - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAVALRY CURT *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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